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Les Hortillonnages: Amiens' Floating Gardens

Discover Amiens' Hortillonnages: A serene labyrinth of floating gardens cultivated for centuries, offering a unique boat tour experience.

4.5

Explore the enchanting Hortillonnages of Amiens, a network of market gardens on islands crisscrossed by canals. Take a traditional boat tour to discover this unique landscape shaped by centuries of market gardening, a peaceful oasis just moments from the city center.

A brief summary to Les Hortillonnages : visites guidées en barque à cornet traditionnelle

  • Monday 9 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Saint-Leu district on Saturday morning to experience the traditional water market where local gardeners sell fresh produce directly from their boats.
  • Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
  • Consider walking along the towpaths for a different perspective of the Hortillonnages, immersing yourself in the gardens' peaceful atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Amiens city center, Les Hortillonnages are easily accessible on foot. From the Amiens Cathedral, walk towards the Saint-Leu district and follow the Somme River. Cross the Pont Beauvillé and continue along the towpath (Chemin de Halage). The Maison des Hortillonnages, the main departure point for boat tours, is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines connect the Amiens train station (Gare d'Amiens) to Les Hortillonnages. Take bus lines 11, 13, 15, 9, or 8 and get off at the Parc Saint-Pierre stop, which is a short walk from the Maison des Hortillonnages. A single bus fare costs around €1.50. From the bus stop, walk along Boulevard de Beauvillé to reach the boat tour departure point.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Amiens. A taxi ride from the train station (Gare d'Amiens) to Les Hortillonnages (54 Bd de Beauvillé) typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Parking is available near the Association des Hortillonnages, but it is paid parking.

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Discover more about Les Hortillonnages : visites guidées en barque à cornet traditionnelle

Les Hortillonnages, a unique network of floating gardens, lies just east of Amiens, offering a tranquil escape into a world of water and greenery. These gardens, cultivated on islands within a marshy area, have been shaped by market gardeners since the Middle Ages. The name 'hortillonnages' comes from the Latin word 'hortus,' meaning garden. For centuries, these 'hortillons' (market gardeners) supplied Amiens with fresh produce, navigating the canals in flat-bottomed boats called 'barques à cornet'. Today, a handful of dedicated gardeners continue this tradition, selling their goods at the Saturday water market in the Saint-Leu district. A visit to Les Hortillonnages offers a serene journey through a maze of canals, revealing a vibrant ecosystem. The gardens, known as 'aires,' are individual plots bursting with vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees. Boat tours, led by knowledgeable guides, provide insights into the history and ecology of this remarkable area. The tranquil waterways teem with diverse flora and fauna, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Recognized for its ecological importance, Les Hortillonnages is part of the Natura 2000 network, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The site has also inspired artists and writers, capturing its beauty in various art forms.

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