with Lucie Rose Galvani & Clarissa Grandi
21-25 September 2026
Gothic Geometry Study Trip to Amiens, France
*note that the course will be taught in English
Registration now open:
Course fee: 900€ / £780
Please see the updated information below
Any questions about the trip, please email: gothicstudytrips@gmail.com
Terms and Conditions applicable to this trip
Gothic Geometry at Amiens Cathedral
We are delighted to announce a new five-day Gothic geometry study trip to Amiens, taking place from 21-25 September 2026 (arrival on the 20th).
Rising from the flat plains of northern France, Amiens Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This immersive course offers the chance to explore its geometric language in depth and experience the harmony of its design first-hand.
Teaching will take place in a bespoke private venue situated among the picturesque waterways of the Hortillonages d’Amiens. Learning will be supported with visits in and around the cathedral, including an opportunity to climb the towers and view the iconic West Rose at close quarters. There will also be time for exploration, reflection, and art-making.
Find all the details below.
Why Amiens?
Amiens Cathedral stands amongst the greatest achievements of Gothic architecture, and is an excellent place in which to study geometry.
It is the largest cathedral in France by interior volume, and this scale, combined with its large stained-glass windows, creates a remarkable sense of spaciousness and light.
Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, the cathedral embodies a harmonious blend of Gothic styles, from Early Gothic through Rayonnant to Flamboyant.
At ground level, the floors are also rich in geometric patterns, providing further material for study. Most remarkable of all is the walkable labyrinth, which allows participants to engage directly with the experiential and symbolic dimensions of sacred geometry.
Amiens is about one hour by train from Paris, with frequent direct services. The town itself is small, welcoming and walkable, making it easy to move between accommodation, the study venue, and the cathedral on foot. The surrounding environment — including riverside paths, the Hortillonnages (floating gardens), and historic medieval quarters — offers pleasant spaces for relaxation and exploration.
What this course explores
We will study a range of ruler-and-compass constructions, from rose window designs to geometric pavements and the cathedral’s octagonal labyrinth.
No advanced knowledge is required — only curiosity, patience, and a willingness to look closely.
Who this course is for
This course welcomes geometry lovers and Gothic architecture enthusiasts. Whether you come with years of experience or simply a deep fascination, you will be supported in engaging with the material at your own level.
If you are new to ruler-and-compass construction, we recommend working through this free YouTube playlist (new videos will continue to be added).
Note that teaching will happen in English.
Your Facilitators
Lucie Rose Galvani (MA) is an artist and educator specialising in geometric drawing and traditional art techniques. She studied these techniques during her Master’s degree at the School of Traditional Arts (2016). Since then, she has developed her own research on the geometric analysis of Gothic rose windows & ornaments, exploring their intricate designs and underlying structures. She also specialises in manuscript gilding (using gold leaf) and painting with natural pigments on paper.
Clarissa Grandi (MEd) is a geometric artist, author, and experienced teacher whose passion is introducing beginner artists to the truly accessible art of geometry. She delights in sharing her ideas, materials, and techniques with others, and her background in mathematics teaching enables her to demonstrate and explain difficult concepts simply and clearly. In her own artmaking she enjoys exploring the interplay between the precision of human-made geometry and the more organic and chaotic geometries and symmetries found in nature. She has a bit of a thing about floors.
Course Venue
Teaching will take place in a bespoke private venue situated among the picturesque waterways of the Hortillonages d’Amiens. Including tutors, our group size will be a maximum of 15, and the space will be ours for the duration of the course. We will enjoy our shared meals here and the space will be available in the evenings for relaxation and socialising.
The venue location is immersed in nature, yet only a 25 minute walk from the city centre (group taxi arrangements can also be made).
Accommodation is available in the same building as the teaching venue. Separate accommodation will also be bookable on the same site as the venue. You can also choose to organise your own accommodation in Amiens city centre. Please see the accommodation section below for more details.
Course Fee: 900€ / £780
What's included?
Teaching sessions
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Expert tuition in geometric and artistic techniques
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All course notes, geometry equipment and art materials are also included. You are welcome to bring your own equipment if you wish - see the suggested list below.
Food
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Arrival evening meal on Sunday 20th September
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Four communal lunches on site (one lunch out to be paid for individually)
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Light refreshments during the teaching sessions
*We will ask for your dietary requirements on registration.
Outings
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Cathedral entry is always free.
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The fees for the Tower Tour and a boat trip on les Hortillonnages are all included.
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Some associated group transport fares are included.
What's not included?
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Accommodation - see the Accommodation section below for three suggested options
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One lunch out in Amiens
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One meal on the final evening (optional)
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Any other individual purchases or meals in town
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Flights / Trains / Other travel to Amiens
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Insurance (travel, health, etc.)
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Transfers to and from the airport / train station
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Transportation fares to and from the teaching venue
Materials
All necessary geometry equipment and art materials will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own equipment, which may include:
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Drawing compass with pen attachment
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Ruler (at least 30cm/12in)
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Pencils (HB, 2H)
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Eraser, pencil sharpener
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Fineliners
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Colouring media of your choice
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Sketchbook and/or notebook (not included)
Accommodation options
Option 1: Double room in the main venue (6 rooms available)
6 rooms with double beds are available in the same house as the teaching & common space. There are no private bathrooms, instead the house has 2 shared shower rooms and 2 separate WCs.
Booking for this option is made with us, when registering for the course.
Cost:
For 6 nights (Sunday night to Saturday morning)
1 room + 6 breakfast for 1 person: 364€ / £315
1 room + 6 breakfast for 2 people: 428€ / £370
A 50% deposit of the accommodation fee will be required upon registration. This deposit is only refundable up to 8 weeks before the start of the course.
Please note: shared lunches at the course venue are included in the course fee.
Option 2: Separate accommodation on site
To be booked independently, see below.
A range of different charming cottages are available for booking on the same site as the course venue: D’une île à l’autre . Cottages have a varied number of rooms, and they each have a kitchen and bathroom.
These cottages are not reserved for the course participants, so you should book at your earliest convenience to ensure availability (once your booking for the course has been confirmed by us). You should book directly with the venue: D’une île à l’autre.
Please note: shared lunches at the course venue are included in the course fee.
You can arrange breakfasts and other meals with the venue, or do your own shopping in Amiens and use the cottage kitchens.
Option 3: Accommodation in Amiens city centre
To be booked independently.
If you would rather be based in Amiens city centre, and travel to the course venue independently (20 to 30 minutes walk, or a short taxi ride), then you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation.
Please note: shared lunches at the course venue are included in the course fee.
Dates & Schedule
Arrival Day is Sunday 20th of September 2026, to ensure that the course begins promptly on Monday morning. A welcome meal on Sunday night is included in the course fee.
Departure Day is Saturday 26th if you are staying in the Main course venue (Option 1). If you have made a different accommodation, you are free to leave on Friday night, but note that we have planned a last evening meal out (not included in the course fee) on the Friday night for all who want to join.
Registration process
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Complete the registration form linked below. This will be processed on a 'first come, first served" basis.
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Depending on availability we will send you a payment link for a non refundable deposit of 50% of the course fee. You will have one week to make the payment.
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Once we have received the deposit payment, we will confirm your place.
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The remainder of the course fee will be due 6 weeks before the course.
*Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions carefully before registering.
We would love you to join us in France later this year!
Click on the images to see them in full.
