Dodane street

Right now, you’re standing over the Somme — the river that flows through Amiens and gave its name to the entire valley. Right in the heart of the picturesque Saint-Leu district, rue de la Dodane is a historic street that used to be filled with workshops and market stalls. Even in those early days, it was already a lively, bustling place. In Roman times, the Somme was called Samara, meaning “quiet river,” in reference to the calm, steady flow of its waters. Over time, the name evolved — from Samara, to Samma, and eventually to Somme. The river played a key role in the city’s growth, starting in the Roman era, but even more so during the Middle Ages, when mills were built along its banks and the textile trade began to flourish. What’s special about the Somme here is that it splits into several branches, allowing the commercial area to spread across the entire district. It’s easy to see just how important this river has been for the development of Amiens — and the region as a whole. About 70 kilometres downstream, it flows into the English Channel at the town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. But right here, you’ve got a beautiful view of the Quai Bélu. Let’s go take a look!