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The Hortillonnages of Amiens

Just a few minutes from downtown Amiens, this landscape—shaped by human hands for centuries—can be explored by rowboat. Here, the urban hustle and bustle gives way to the lapping of the water, the shifting reflections of the sky, and the lush greenery of gardens suspended between land and river. Welcome to the Hortillonnages, this utterly unique place where you can discover centuries-old, precious craftsmanship during a stroll where time seems to stand still. 

A landscape shaped by man and water

The hortillonnages of Amiens are former marshes that have been transformed into gardens crisscrossed by canals. The word “hortillon” comes from the Latin “hortellus,” meaning “small garden.” In the Middle Ages, these marshy lands were developed into vegetable-growing areas by “hortillons,” marsh gardeners who learned to work with water, shape the soil, and create fertile islands where everything seemed hostile.

Cultivated for about 800 years, the hortillonnages cover 300 hectares and 60 kilometers of canals known as “rieux.” Beyond their heritage value, they are a true reservoir of biodiversity, the site home to a rich variety of flora and fauna adapted to this wetland environment.

Today, the keepers of this unique agricultural tradition continue to cultivate these lands, preserving this fragile natural and cultural heritage in the process. 

Every Saturday morning, some sell their produce at the Amiens floating market, an iconic gathering where you can find locally grown lettuce, carrots, leeks, and fresh herbs. A local food system ahead of its time, deeply rooted in the region.

A boat ride, gliding with the current

The most traditional way to visit the hortillonnages is by cornet boat, whose flat bottom and raised ends prevent damage to the banks. Quiet and eco-friendly, these boats turn the tour (which lasts about 40 minutes and is limited to small groups) into a meditative journey. As the boat glides along the water, a boatman-guide recounts their history while the vessel slowly moves between the gardens, passing colorful huts, allowing time to observe herons, ducks, or moorhens while listening to birdsong or the sound of the oars.
For several years now, the Hortillonnages have hosted the International Hortillonnages Garden Festival from June to October, where artists, landscape designers, and architects create temporary installations scattered throughout the gardens. Some are accessible on foot, others only by boat, enhancing the immersive nature of the visit. A dialogue between nature and contemporary art offers a poetic perspective on this ancestral landscape.

Practical tips for fully enjoying the hortillonnages

  • Best time to visit: May through October, with peak interest during the festival.
  • Duration of visit: Allow 1 to 2 hours for a boat ride.
  • Reservations: Recommended during peak season.
  • Attire: Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. 

Note: these plots, accessible only by boat, fit perfectly into a getaway to Amiens. After a morning on the water, it takes just a few minutes to reach downtown and admire the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens, a masterpiece of Gothic art. 

Continue your exploration by strolling through the narrow streets of the Saint-Leu district, before sitting down to enjoy local cuisine that showcases regional specialties and… the fruits and vegetables harvested from the hortillonnages. 

So, are you ready for a nature getaway in the heart of a weekend in Amiens?


Valérie from Comme des Français


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