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Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

Les Hortillonnages in Amiens, France

Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens) Overview & Key Highlights

The Hortillonnages of Amiens are beautiful floating market gardens. With its 300 hectares of water gardens, Amiens is known as the Venice of the North. These areas offer 65 kilometers of canals and seven market gardens. Every Saturday, the locals sell their produce (fresh vegetables) at a floating market in the Saint-Leu district. Once a year, typically on the third Sunday in June, market gardeners dress in traditional costumes and navigate down the Somme in their boats. They sell their produce at a traditional market on the water, often near the Quai Bélu and Place Parmentier. The best way to experience these marvelous gardens and historical heritage sites is with a boat ride. You can rent one and ride on your own or take a guided electric boat tour (from April to October). As you're mesmerized by the colorful gardens, don't forget to look for dragonflies, wild birds, and even herons on the tranquil waterways and see the incredible cathedral spire in the background.

Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens) Travel Guide: Logistics & In-Depth Tips

Les Hortillonnages are a picturesque network of floating gardens that blend nature, history, and tradition. They provide a unique opportunity to explore the intricate waterways by boat, experiencing the serene beauty and spotting a variety of wildlife.

Reasons to Visit:

  • Experience a unique boat tour through ancient gardens.
  • Enjoy the tranquility and scenic views of lush landscapes.
  • Discover a rich array of flora and fauna in the marshlands.

Things to Avoid:

  • Avoid visiting during heavy rain as boat tours may be canceled.
  • The paths can be muddy; avoid wearing shoes that are not suitable for wet conditions.

 

Accessibility Level: Medium

Some areas have accessible pathways, but boat tours may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Address:

54 Boulevard de Beauvillé, 80000 Amiens, France

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Basic Info

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COUNTRY & Region

France,
Europe

ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL​

Medium
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​

Euro (EUR)
Price level icon
Medium
Safety Level icon

SAFETY LEVEL

Duration icon

Recommended Duration

• 3-5 hours (Half a day)
• Full day

Electricity

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Electricity

220-240V, 
50Hz
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Plug Type

• Type C (Round pin)
• Type E (Two round pins with earth pin)
Plug types
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Activities To Do In Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

Best Time To Visit Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

Best Months: April to October
The gardens are lush and vibrant in spring and summer, with mild weather ideal for boat tours.

Average Temperatures Per Month

Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.

Safety Level icon

Safety Level

France is generally a safe country, but travelers should exercise normal precautions. The U.S. State Department advises increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest, and petty crime like pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded tourist areas. While Amiens is not a conflict zone, its crime index on Numbeo is moderate, with some concerns about crime increasing and safety when walking alone at night. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions to protect personal belongings.

The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 112 (Universal) / 17
Ambulance: 112 (Universal) / 15

No internet needed • Includes local translations • Free for TravelingWiz readers

Spoken Languages

French is the formal language. Basic English is spoken by some guides, but learning a few French phrases can enhance your experience.

Learn The Language

  • Hello: Bonjour
  • Thank you: Merci
  • How much?: Combien ça coûte?
  • Boat: Bateau
  • Garden: Jardin
  • Where is…?: Où est…?
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Trip Cost & Budgeting for Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens), 2026

Everything you need to know about money while traveling
Is Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens) expensive for tourists in 2026? No, visiting this beautiful green oasis in Amiens is highly affordable compared to major French cities. Based on our Human Verified prices, you can expect to pay around 3.50 EUR for a cappuccino, 5.50 EUR for a pint of domestic beer, and about 30.00 EUR for a standard main meal at a mid-range restaurant. Use the data table below to calculate your specific daily budget based on your travel style. With TravelingWiz's Human Verified data, a typical traveler should expect to spend around $171 USD per day for a mid-range trip in Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens). Click the Trip Cost Calculator button below the table to work out your personal budget for this trip.
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​:

Euro (EUR)
Price level icon
Medium
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small boat tours and local market vendors.

Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.

Local: 30
Euro (EUR)
≈ 35 USD

Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).

Travel Style
Euro (EUR)
≈ USD ($)
Budget
85
98
Mid-range
150
173
Comfort
330
380

The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.

  • Book your boat tour online in advance directly through the Association des Hortillonnages to secure the lowest official rates.
  • Explore the gardens on foot along the free public walking paths of the Chemin de Halage if you want to skip the boat fee.
  • Visit during the International Garden Festival (June to October) to see unique art installations included with your entry.
  • Pack a picnic with local specialties like Macarons d'Amiens from a city supermarket to enjoy in the nearby Parc Saint-Pierre.

Pre-Order Tickets

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What To Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes, ideally waterproof, for exploring garden paths.
  • Light, weather-appropriate clothing for spring and summer visits.
  • Sunscreen and a hat for sunny days, as shade may be limited on boat tours.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
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Maya’s Final Checklist for Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)

Logistics shouldn’t be the focus of your trip—the experience should. I’ve hand-vetted these essential partners to ensure your arrival, stay, and exploration are as smooth as an Athenian breeze.

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FAQs

Les Hortillonnages are floating gardens in Amiens, France, formed on small islands in marshland and accessed by boat.
Les Hortillonnages are located in Amiens, accessible by car or train from Paris. The gardens are close to the city center.
While boat tours offer the best experience, there are pathways on some islands for walking, though limited.
Yes, it’s a great spot for families, though young children should be supervised near water.
The best time to visit is from April to October when the gardens are in full bloom.
Les Hortillonnages are ancient floating market gardens in Amiens, cultivated since the Middle Ages. They were formed from marshy terrain around the Somme River, with market gardeners (hortillons) digging canals to create fertile plots. The site has a rich history of supplying Amiens with produce and peat, and today blends traditional market gardening with ornamental gardens and natural habitats.
Les Hortillonnages are a haven for various wildlife, offering opportunities to spot dragonflies, wild birds such as great crested grebes, swans, mallards, coots, and moorhens, and even herons. The tranquil waterways and lush vegetation create a diverse habitat for both flora and fauna.

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