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Amiens along the water

In Amiens, enjoy the diversity of intimate experiences offered along the water or on its shores … crossed from East to West by the Somme, this city has been carved out by the meanders of the river, earning it the nickname of the Little Venice of the North.
Whether by boat, paddle board, kayak, bicycle or simply on foot, in Amiens, life is a long, quiet river. So, shall we set sail?

Hortillonnages Amiens - Alexis Poroszka

The Hortillonnages

Cultivated since the Middles Ages by the Hortillons, the Hortillonnages are a puzzle of 300 hectares of market and ornamental gardens in the heart of the city.
You're sure to be charmed by the calm waters of this place and the tranquillity that envelopes the vegetable gardens and flowered islets.
Now that we've set the scene and piqued your curiosity, here are a few suggestions to discover them at your own pace.

Boat tours with passionate and exciting guides

Take a seat in a traditional cornet boat from the Association for the Protection and Safeguarding of the Hortillonnages, admire this luscious corner of paradise and let yourself be guided by the comments of your boating guide.
Rémi, from Les Hortillonnages et Vous, invites you to sail along the Hortillonnages like VIPs in his boat that can accommodate up to five people.
Thanks to the Jardin des Vertueux, you can enjoy a peaceful ride in an electric boat through the marsh, savour a delicious tea made with mint freshly picked from the vegetable garden or have fun with Violet, the garden's donkey.

For the one-day Robinsons …

From May to October the Amiens Hortillonnages International Garden Festival offers visitors a beautiful, poetic escape in the heart of this exceptional natural site. Landscape and artistic creations on the Clermont pond and the Île aux Fagots invite the public to enjoy a gentle programme on the theme of sustainable development and environmental preservation.
The Hortillonnages Museum in Rivery showcases this protected natural area and the life of its market gardeners. It presents a rich collection of materials and equipment patiently gathered over the course of many years by a Hortillon couple. To complete your visit, enjoy an individual boat ride with electric motor to discover the Hortillonnages through the canals.
For the more adventurous among you, the Ô Jardin hostel offers rowing boats to rent.

Canoë dans les HortillonnagesDroits réservés

As well as a host of other ways to let yourself be carried away along the water …

Both original and incredibly fun, discover the Hortillonnages by canoe or kayak with the Rivery Nautical Club to explore every nook and cranny of this exceptional site.

To the rhythm of the lapping waves, keep your balance and glide on the water aboard a paddle board with Amiens Paddle Club.

Chemin de HalageLaurent Rousselin - Amiens Métropole

Once used for pulling boats by horses, the Towpath along the Hortillonnages now invites you to walk or cycle. Nestled behind some beautiful walkways, the colourful gardens – meticulously cared for by their market gardeners – are sure to catch your eye. Guaranteed change of scenery and the perfect way to recharge your batteries in the heart of Amiens!

Getting to know the Hortillonnages like the back of my hand

Otarie de Californie - Parc zoologique Amiens Métropole

And even more to get your mouth watering …

Amiens Zoo

This seven-hectare haven of greenery and waterways is home to around 700 animals from 120 of the most endangered species on the planet. Amid this lush setting close to the city centre, tigers, zebras, penguins, sea lions and many other animals live side by side … The perfect excuse for a refreshing walk in the heart of this island of biodiversity.