Les Hortillonnages (Marsh Gardens)

Gardens in Amiens

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Claude Shoshany

The Hortillonnages of Amiens are a unique network of floating gardens spanning approximately 300 hectares within the city. These gardens are interlaced with a maze of canals, locally known as “rieux,” creating a picturesque landscape often referred to as the “Little Venice of the North.” The term “hortillonnages” is derived from the Picard word “hortillon,” meaning market gardener, which in turn originates from the Latin “hortillus,” or small garden.

Historically, these fertile plots have been cultivated for over 700 years, with some accounts suggesting their origins date back to Roman times. In the Middle Ages, locals extracted peat from the marshlands around the Somme River, creating trenches that eventually filled with water, forming the canals seen today. Farmers utilized these rich soils to grow fresh produce, which was transported via flat-bottomed boats called “barques à cornet” to markets, including those in Paris.

Today, the Hortillonnages serve both as a testament to Amiens’ agricultural heritage and as a serene retreat for visitors. Guided boat tours offer an intimate view of the gardens and their diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species like kingfishers and grebes. The annual International Garden Festival, held from May to October, showcases contemporary art and landscape designs throughout the gardens, blending cultural expression with natural beauty.

The Les Hortillonnages (Marsh Gardens) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

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