The Floating Gardens of Amiens (Hortillonages)

A true symbol of Amiens, the hortillonnages are a network of small floating gardens just a stone’s throw from the city centre. They begin just a few metres from here, on your left. These marshlands were transformed in the Middle Ages to make way for market gardening right in the heart of the city. The word hortillonnage comes from the Picard term hortillon, meaning “little garden” — and it’s a fitting name, with hundreds of tiny plots spread across 300 hectares. Today, only 25 hectares are still used for farming, and there are just about ten gardeners left. But originally, the hortillonnages stretched over 10,000 hectares, at a time when nearly a thousand people in Amiens made a living from this incredibly fertile land. These floating gardens are a lasting trace of that past and remain a must-see during any visit to Amiens — a place unlike anywhere else in France. If you’re curious to explore them, a boat ride is the perfect way to experience their peaceful beauty.