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Musée des Hortillonnages: Discovering Amiens' Floating Gardens

Explore the history and beauty of Amiens' floating gardens at the Musée des Hortillonnages in Rivery. Electric boat tours available!

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The Musée des Hortillonnages in Rivery offers a unique glimpse into the history and ecology of Amiens' Hortillonnages, a network of floating gardens cultivated since the Middle Ages. Explore exhibits detailing the lives of the 'hortillons' (market gardeners) and then take an electric boat tour through the rieux (small canals) to experience this exceptional landscape firsthand.

A brief summary to Musée des Hortillonnages: écomusée et visite en barque éléctrique

  • Monday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Tuesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between April and October, when the museum is open and boat tours are available.
  • Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit to fully experience the museum and the boat tour.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially for the boat tour.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the boat tour is outdoors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Amiens train station, take bus line 3 towards 'Rivery'. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes. Get off at the 'Rivery' stop. Walk east on Rue de la Liberté, then turn left onto Impasse Marcel. The museum will be on your right. A single bus fare is approximately €1.50.

  • Walking

    From the center of Rivery, walk towards Rue de la Liberté. Turn onto Impasse Marcel. The Musée des Hortillonnages will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from most points in central Rivery.

  • Car

    From the center of Amiens, head east on Rue de la République toward Rue du Général de Gaulle. Continue onto Place Alphonse Fiquet, then take the first exit onto D1001. Follow D1001 for about 3 km, then merge onto D1 toward Rivery. Follow the signs for Rivery and take the exit toward 21 Imp. Marcel. The Musée des Hortillonnages will be on your right. Parking is available near the museum. Parking fees may apply.

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Discover more about Musée des Hortillonnages: écomusée et visite en barque éléctrique

Located in Rivery, near Amiens, the Musée des Hortillonnages is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the unique heritage of the Hortillonnages, a network of man-made floating gardens. These gardens, cultivated since the Middle Ages, have been shaped by generations of market gardeners known as 'hortillons'. The museum was founded by Thérèse and René Nowak, a couple dedicated to preserving the memory and traditions of the hortillons. The museum's exhibits feature a collection of tools, equipment, and artifacts that illustrate the daily lives and work of the hortillons throughout history. Visitors can learn about the techniques used to cultivate these fertile plots of land and the evolution of this unique agricultural practice. A highlight of the visit is the opportunity to explore the Hortillonnages themselves by taking a self-guided tour in an electric boat. Gliding along the rieux, visitors can admire the lush gardens, observe the local flora and fauna, and experience the tranquility of this remarkable landscape. The museum also offers guided tours for groups by prior arrangement. The museum is accessible to people with disabilities, but the boats are not wheelchair accessible. The Musée des Hortillonnages provides a fascinating insight into the history, ecology, and cultural significance of the Hortillonnages, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Amiens area.

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