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Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)
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.
Essential Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens) Logistics & In-Depth Travel 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
COUNTRY & Region
France,
Europe
ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL
Medium
LOCAL CURRENCY
Euro (EUR)
Price Level
Medium
SAFETY LEVEL
Recommended Duration
• 3-5 hours (Half a day)
• Full day
• Full day
Electricity
Electricity
220-240V,
50Hz
Plug Type
• Type C (Round pin)
• Type E (Two round pins with earth pin)
• Type E (Two round pins with earth pin)
Activities To Do In Les Hortillonnages (Floating Gardens)
Best Time To Visit
Best Months: April to October
The gardens are lush and vibrant in spring and summer, with mild weather ideal for boat tours.
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.
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
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…?
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? Overall, a trip to Amiens, where the gardens are located, falls into the medium price range. You can expect to pay around €3.00 for a cappuccino, €5.50 for a pint of domestic beer, and about €22.00 for a standard main meal in a mid-range restaurant. These are Human Verified prices to help set realistic expectations for your visit. Use the data table below to calculate your specific daily budget based on your travel style.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
Euro (EUR)
Price Level:
Medium
Cards Vs. Cash
Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases and bus ticket machines.
How Much Cash to Carry (on you)
Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.
Local: 20
Euro (EUR)
≈ 23 USD
Average Daily Costs (per person)
Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).
Travel Style | Euro (EUR) | ≈ USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | 60 | 70 |
Mid-range | 110 | 129 |
Comfort | 240 | 281 |
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.
Best Value Tips
- Look for "formule midi" (lunch deals) at restaurants for better value.
- Utilize the Ametis bus network; a single ticket is €1.40.
- Enjoy happy hour for domestic beer, with prices starting around €3.00.
- Consider self-catering some meals by buying groceries from local markets.
Pre-Order Tickets
Avoid disappointment when tickets sell out — and skip the long lines by booking online in advance. You’ll often save up to 20% too.
Save up to 20%
Travel Discounts & Coupons
Save on hotels, attractions, transport, and gear — find verified discounts for smarter travel spending.
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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.
Related Travel Tips
Recommended Itineraries for this Destination
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FAQs
What are Les Hortillonnages?
Les Hortillonnages are floating gardens in Amiens, France, formed on small islands in marshland and accessed by boat.
How do I get to Les Hortillonnages?
Les Hortillonnages are located in Amiens, accessible by car or train from Paris. The gardens are close to the city center.
Can I visit Les Hortillonnages without taking a boat tour?
While boat tours offer the best experience, there are pathways on some islands for walking, though limited.
Is Les Hortillonnages suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a great spot for families, though young children should be supervised near water.
When is the best time to visit Les Hortillonnages?
The best time to visit is from April to October when the gardens are in full bloom.
What is the history of Les Hortillonnages?
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.
What kind of wildlife can I see in Les Hortillonnages?
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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