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Festival International de Jardins: A Floating Paradise

Discover the enchanting Festival International de Jardins in Amiens' Hortillonnages: a unique blend of art, nature, and history in a picturesque floating garden setting.

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The Festival International de Jardins, nestled within the Hortillonnages of Amiens, offers a unique blend of art and nature. These floating gardens, cultivated since the Middle Ages, transform into an open-air museum during the festival. Visitors can explore contemporary garden designs and artistic installations spread across small islands accessible by boat or on foot. The festival provides a serene escape, inviting contemplation on the relationship between nature, culture, and agriculture. It's an enchanting experience, showcasing innovative landscape architecture and promoting environmental awareness in a historical and picturesque setting. The Hortillonnages themselves are a marvel, a testament to centuries of horticultural tradition, making this festival a must-see for garden enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The blend of history, art, and natural beauty creates an unforgettable experience.

A brief summary to Festival international de jardins | Hortillonnages Amiens - Port à Fumier

  • Wednesday 1 pm-7 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-7 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book boat tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and avoid long queues.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths and bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months.
  • Check the festival's website for the latest program of events, workshops, and guided tours.
  • Visit the local market in the Saint-Leu district on Saturday morning to see the hortillons selling their produce directly from their boats.
  • Consider exploring the Hortillonnages by kayak or canoe for a more adventurous and independent experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Amiens city center (e.g., Gare d'Amiens), take the Line 7 bus towards Camon. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Alight at the 'Edmond Marquis' stop, which is a short walk (approximately 5 minutes) from Port à Fumier, the main access point for boat tours of the Hortillonnages and the Festival. A single bus fare costs €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Amiens city center, a taxi or ride-share (Uber) to 35 Rue Roger Allou, Camon (Port à Fumier) typically takes 7-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare ranges from €10-€13. Be sure to confirm the final price with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    From Amiens, follow signs towards Camon. 35 Rue Roger Allou is the address for the Port à Fumier. Limited parking is available near the entrance. Parking fees are approximately €2 per hour or €10 for the day. Consider arriving early, especially during peak season, to secure a parking spot.

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Discover more about Festival international de jardins | Hortillonnages Amiens - Port à Fumier

Venture into the heart of the Somme region and discover the enchanting Festival International de Jardins within the Hortillonnages of Amiens, a unique landscape where art and nature intertwine. These floating gardens, cultivated since the Middle Ages, offer a serene escape from the urban bustle, inviting visitors to explore a world where land and water coexist in harmonious beauty. The Hortillonnages, often dubbed the "Venice of the North," are a network of canals and cultivated islands that have been shaped by generations of market gardeners, known as 'hortillons'. For centuries, these skilled cultivators have transformed the marshy terrain into fertile plots, accessible only by boat, creating a living tapestry of gardens and waterways. The name 'Hortillonnages' itself is derived from the Latin word 'hortus,' meaning garden, a testament to the area's rich horticultural heritage. Today, the Hortillonnages span over 300 hectares, encompassing a labyrinth of canals and islands that provide a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. The International Garden Festival transforms this unique environment into an open-air museum, showcasing contemporary garden designs and artistic installations created by landscape architects, artists, and designers from around the world. Each year, the festival features a new theme, challenging participants to create innovative and thought-provoking works that explore the relationship between nature, culture, and the environment. Visitors can explore the festival by boat, gliding along the narrow canals and discovering hidden gardens tucked away on small islands. The traditional flat-bottomed boats, once used by the hortillons to transport their produce, now offer a tranquil and immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of the Hortillonnages. Alternatively, visitors can explore the festival on foot, following designated pathways that wind through the gardens and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The festival is not only a celebration of art and nature but also a platform for promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Many of the gardens and installations incorporate eco-friendly materials and techniques, highlighting the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem for future generations. The festival also provides educational programs and workshops, teaching visitors about the history of the Hortillonnages, the challenges of sustainable agriculture, and the importance of biodiversity. Beyond the festival, the Hortillonnages offer a glimpse into a traditional way of life that has endured for centuries. A handful of hortillons still cultivate these lands, selling their produce at local markets and preserving the legacy of their ancestors. Visitors can witness this tradition firsthand at the weekly market in the Saint-Leu district, where the hortillons sell their fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs directly from their boats. The Hortillonnages are more than just a collection of gardens; they are a living testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the human spirit. They are a place where nature and culture coexist in harmony, where art and agriculture intertwine, and where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with the natural world. Visiting the Festival International de Jardins is an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The vibrant colors of the flowers, the gentle lapping of water against the boats, the sweet fragrance of herbs, and the melodic chirping of birds create a symphony of sensations that transport visitors to another world. It's a place where time slows down, where worries fade away, and where the beauty of nature can be fully appreciated. The festival is a must-see destination for garden enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. It's a place where creativity flourishes, where environmental awareness is promoted, and where the beauty of nature is celebrated. Whether you explore the gardens by boat or on foot, you're sure to be captivated by the magic of the Hortillonnages and the artistry of the International Garden Festival. As you plan your visit, consider these additional facets of the Hortillonnages: * **Historical Significance:** The Hortillonnages have been cultivated since the Middle Ages, playing a crucial role in supplying food to the city of Amiens. Their history is deeply intertwined with the local culture and economy. * **Unique Ecosystem:** The floating gardens support a diverse range of plant and animal life, creating a unique ecosystem that is both fragile and resilient. * **Community Involvement:** The festival and the preservation of the Hortillonnages rely on the active involvement of the local community, including the hortillons, volunteers, and local organizations. * **Accessibility:** The festival is designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, with designated pathways and boat tours that accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. * **Year-Round Appeal:** While the International Garden Festival is the highlight of the year, the Hortillonnages are beautiful and worth visiting year-round, offering a tranquil escape from the city. The Festival International de Jardins in the Hortillonnages of Amiens is a truly unique and unforgettable destination. It's a place where art, nature, and history come together to create an experience that is both enriching and inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, you're sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of these floating gardens.

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