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La fête sur l'eau: Amiens' Celebration on the Water

Experience the charm of Amiens at Place Parmentier, where the spirit of 'La fête sur l'eau' comes alive with markets, boat tours, and celebrations of the city's unique waterways and heritage.

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La fête sur l'eau, translating to 'The Festival on the Water,' encapsulates the spirit of Amiens, a city deeply intertwined with its waterways. Held on Place Parmentier, this area comes alive with events that celebrate the city's unique connection to the River Somme and its network of canals. While specific events vary, the square often hosts markets featuring local produce from the Hortillonnages (floating gardens), boat tours offering a serene exploration of the waterways, and cultural festivals that highlight Amiens' rich heritage. The area provides a picturesque setting, with views of the Saint-Leu district and the Quai Bélu, making it a focal point for both locals and tourists seeking to experience the charm of Amiens. Whether it's a bustling market day or a tranquil boat ride, La fête sur l'eau offers a taste of Amiens' unique character.

A brief summary to La fête sur l'eau

  • Pl. Parmentier, Amiens, 80000, FR

Local tips

  • Visit the Saturday morning market on Place Parmentier for fresh, local produce directly from the Hortillonnages farmers.
  • Take a boat tour of the Hortillonnages from Place Parmentier to experience the unique floating gardens.
  • Explore the Saint-Leu district surrounding Place Parmentier for its colorful facades, bars, and restaurants.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Amiens Cathedral, walk northeast along Rue des Sergents, then turn left onto Rue Saint-Leu. Continue straight, crossing the Pont de la Dodane, which offers picturesque views. Place Parmentier will be on your right, a short walk along the Quai Bélu. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and is mostly flat.

  • Public Transport

    From Gare d'Amiens (Amiens Train Station), take the Ametis bus line N1, N2, N3 or N4 towards the city center and get off at the 'Cathédrale' stop. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs €1.40. Alternatively, from the train station, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to Place Parmentier.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Gare d'Amiens to Place Parmentier will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €8-€12. Ask the driver to take you to Place Parmentier in the Saint-Leu district.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Place Parmentier, 80000 Amiens. Paid parking is available at Parking Parmentier, directly on the square. Expect to pay around €2 per hour or €12 for a full day. Note that parking can be limited, especially on Saturday mornings due to the market.

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Discover more about La fête sur l'eau

Amiens, often called the 'Venice of the North' due to its intricate network of canals, finds its heart in places like Place Parmentier, where 'La fête sur l'eau' (The Festival on the Water) comes to life. This isn't necessarily a single, formally scheduled event, but rather an ongoing celebration of the city's intimate relationship with its waterways, a relationship that has shaped its history, economy, and culture for centuries. Place Parmentier itself is a key location in Amiens, situated along the Quai Bélu in the historic Saint-Leu district. This area, with its colorful facades and lively atmosphere, has long been a hub of activity. The square provides stunning views of the River Somme and serves as a gateway to exploring the famous Hortillonnages, Amiens' unique floating gardens. The Hortillonnages, cultivated since the Middle Ages, are a sprawling network of market gardens on islands crisscrossed by canals. These 'little gardens,' as the name suggests (derived from the Latin 'hortellus'), have been tended by generations of 'hortillons' (gardeners) who navigate the waterways in traditional flat-bottomed boats called 'barques à cornet'. For centuries, these skilled gardeners have brought their fresh produce to market, sustaining the city with the bounty of their floating farms. While there isn't always a specific festival called 'La fête sur l'eau' happening, the spirit of the name is ever-present. Place Parmentier frequently hosts events that embody this celebration. One of the most notable is the weekly Saturday market, where local producers, including hortillons, gather to sell their goods. The market is a vibrant display of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and regional specialties, offering a direct connection to the land and the water that sustains it. Beyond the market, Place Parmentier serves as a departure point for boat tours of the Hortillonnages. Several companies offer guided tours in traditional 'barques à cornet' or electric boats, allowing visitors to glide through the tranquil waterways and discover the hidden beauty of the floating gardens. These tours provide a unique perspective on Amiens' history and ecology, showcasing the ingenuity of the hortillons and the rich biodiversity of the wetlands. Throughout the year, Place Parmentier and the Saint-Leu district also host various cultural events and festivals that celebrate Amiens' heritage. These might include medieval festivals with jousting and historical reenactments, music festivals showcasing local talent, or art exhibitions inspired by the city's unique landscape. The exact schedule varies from year to year, but there's always something happening to enliven the atmosphere and draw visitors to the waterfront. The canals themselves are integral to the city's charm. Once vital for transportation and commerce, they now offer a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Walking or cycling along the towpaths that line the canals provides a glimpse into Amiens' past and present, with picturesque bridges, historic buildings, and lush greenery creating a captivating backdrop. Amiens' connection to the water extends beyond the Hortillonnages and the canals. The River Somme, which flows through the heart of the city, has played a crucial role in its development. The river provided a source of water, a means of transportation, and a natural defense. Today, the riverbanks are lined with parks and promenades, offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation. To truly understand Amiens, one must embrace its relationship with the water. Whether it's exploring the Hortillonnages by boat, strolling along the canals, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of Place Parmentier, the city's aquatic heritage is always present, shaping its identity and enriching the visitor experience. The spirit of 'La fête sur l'eau' is not just a festival; it's a way of life in Amiens, a celebration of the city's unique connection to the waterways that define it. Visiting Place Parmentier and the Saint-Leu district offers a chance to immerse yourself in this aquatic culture. Sample local produce at the Saturday market, take a boat tour of the Hortillonnages, explore the historic streets, and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant waterfront area. You'll discover why Amiens is known as the 'Venice of the North' and why its relationship with the water is so central to its identity.

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