Hortillonnages d’Amiens: A Guide to the Floating Gardens

Arrange your private transportation from Paris, your Paris hotel, CDG, or ORY to Amiens, with the option of returning to Paris after your visit. Your driver provides the transportation; tickets, boat reservations, and festival access must be arranged separately.

The Hortillonnages are more than a simple urban park: they form a collection of small plots surrounded by canals, set in the wetlands of the Somme and Avre rivers. Their gradual development dates back to the Middle Ages, particularly from the 13th^th century. The word “hortillonnage” is related to “hortillon,” itself derived from Late Latin hortellus, meaning a small garden. This origin recalls the site’s original purpose: growing vegetables in fertile soil divided by rieux and reached by flat-bottomed boats.

Over time, some plots remained devoted to market gardening, while others became ornamental gardens or natural areas. This coexistence explains the landscape’s lively, irregular character. In Amiens, water is never merely decorative: it shapes movement, protects the banks, and connects the gardens. A careful visit offers a glimpse into the city’s agricultural history through traces of crops, sheds, jetties, and boats.

A boat ride remains the most iconic way to discover the Hortillonnages. From the water, the views change around every bend: a narrow passage opens onto a flower-filled plot, a garden hides behind a hedge, and the banks seem to form a green maze. Flat-bottomed boats, sometimes called cornets, are suited to the shallow canals. Several options are available depending on the operator and season: guided tours, rentals, or routes linked to an event. Conditions, reservations, and departure points should be checked before setting out.

Exploring on foot is especially worthwhile around Île aux Fagots and the areas laid out for the festival. Biking makes it possible to connect the different edges of the site, particularly from central Amiens, Saint-Pierre Park, Rivery, or Camon. However, don’t expect a continuous bike route across every plot: the canals require specific crossings, and some islands can only be reached by boat.

Since 2010, the International Garden Festival has added a contemporary artistic dimension to the Hortillonnages. Landscape designers, architects, and visual artists transform former market-garden plots with works created to engage with the water, vegetation, and uses of the site. The result is less like a traditional exhibition than an exploratory route: some installations are reached by boat, while others are discovered on foot, in an environment where nature continues to evolve.

The festival has become an important part of Amiens’s cultural season and also helps maintain the plots. Not all the creations are permanent, and the program changes from one edition to the next. For 2026, the event is scheduled from May 22 to October 12, with routes associated with Amiens, Camon, and the area around Étang de Clermont. Access arrangements may vary between self-guided walks and reserved boat routes. Check the official program before your visit to find out which works are accessible, where the embarkation points are, and whether there are any day-specific restrictions.

The Hortillonnages are conveniently located for a stay in Amiens. From the train station, the embarkation point operated by the Association for the Protection and Preservation of the Hortillonnages is approximately 700 meters away, opposite Saint-Pierre Park on Boulevard de Beauvillé. This departure point is especially convenient for travelers arriving by train who want to begin exploring without a car. The historic center, cathedral, and Saint-Leu district can then be reached on foot, making it easy to combine heritage and nature in a single day.

From Paris, train service generally runs from Paris-Nord to Amiens, with journey times varying by service. Schedules change depending on the day and on construction work, so always check SNCF information before departure. By car, Amiens lies north of Paris and makes an accessible stop for a day trip or a stay in the Somme. Visitors arriving from Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle or Orly airports may prefer an arranged road transfer when traveling with luggage or a group.

The visit is best incorporated into a broader Amiens itinerary. Saint-Pierre Park forms a natural transition between the train station, the canals, and downtown. It offers a pleasant place to walk before or after a boat outing. Continuing toward Saint-Leu, you’ll find the quays, colorful houses, restaurants, and the atmosphere of a former district shaped by water and artisan activities. Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral, a must-see for its Gothic architecture and exceptional scale, is a natural addition to the day.

The Hortillonnages can also serve as a starting point for a slower exploration of the Somme Valley. Cyclists enjoy routes that follow the waterways and green spaces of the metropolitan area, while heritage enthusiasts can continue on to the museums and historic districts. For lunch, it’s best to choose a restaurant downtown or in Saint-Leu, taking its days of operation into account, as hours vary by season. The site itself remains primarily a place for nature and walking, not a commercial area.

The most pleasant period generally runs from late spring to early fall, when the foliage is full, the gardens are active, and boat outings are offered more widely. Summer attracts more visitors, especially on weekends and during school breaks. Spring brings fresh vegetation and soft light, while September can be a good time to see the gardens at their peak and attend events related to market gardening. Outside the events season, the atmosphere is quieter, but the range of tours may be more limited.

The Hortillonnages are a fragile ecosystem. Stay on designated paths and routes, do not pick plants, avoid feeding animals, and respect private property. On the water, navigate carefully and follow the operator’s instructions. The banks may be wet or uneven, so closed-toe shoes are recommended. In rainy weather, bring appropriate protection and check whether the outing is still scheduled. These simple precautions help preserve a landscape that depends as much on human care as on its natural balance.

The Hortillonnages are an excellent reason to plan an overnight stay in Amiens rather than rushing through a visit. Arriving in the morning allows you to reach the canals, have lunch in town, and spend the afternoon at the cathedral, in the Saint-Leu district, or at Saint-Pierre Park. During the festival, a full day is preferable so you can enjoy the artistic route without rushing. Families appreciate the playful aspects of boating and exploring the islands, while photographers will find plenty of scenes featuring reflections, jetties, and gardens.

From Paris, Booking Paris Transfer can arrange private transportation from a Paris hotel, Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, or Orly to Amiens, with a return to Paris depending on the planned itinerary. Transportation does not include admission tickets, boat rentals, or activity reservations; these must be arranged with the relevant operators. For a custom excursion, specify how much time you would like to spend on site and your drop-off point in Amiens so we can plan a route that fits your visit to the Hortillonnages.