The Hortillonnages d'Amiens are a unique set of floating gardens located in the heart of the city, extending over approximately 300 hectares. These plots of land, intersected by a network of canals, have been cultivated since medieval times, creating an enchanting landscape where nature and man coexist in harmony. The canals, or "rieux," were once used to transport vegetables to the Amiens market, but today they offer a picturesque perspective for visitors.
This place is definitely worth a visit for its peaceful atmosphere and exceptional beauty. A boat trip through the canals offers a rare spectacle: colorful and well-kept gardens, where flowers, fruits and vegetables grow in abundance, all in a preserved natural environment. The birds, insects and other animal species that populate the hortillonnages add to the magic of the place.
The Hortillonnages are also a living testimony to an ancient horticultural tradition, still perpetuated by a few market gardeners. To visit this place is to immerse yourself in a world of greenery, calm and history, while enjoying a natural and cultural heritage that is unique in France.