Information
Landmark: Hortillonnages Floating GardensCity: Amiens
Country: France
Continent: Europe
Hortillonnages Floating Gardens, Amiens, France, Europe
Overview
In the heart of Amiens, the Hortillonnages-floating gardens stitched together by winding canals-form a rare and centuries-old patchwork of marshland.Covering roughly 300 hectares, the Hortillonnages are a centuries-old network of water gardens in the Somme Valley, where farmers have long tended lush plots edged by quiet, reed-lined canals.Locals call this peaceful, picture-perfect spot “the Venice of Amiens,” thanks to its winding canals where boats glide past floating gardens bursting with color.Here’s what stands out about the Hortillonnages: 1.The Hortillonnages have been farmed since the Middle Ages, and records point to their beginnings in the 12th century, when narrow strips of soil rose between quiet canals.The area began as marshland along the River Somme, its damp soil dotted with reeds, until canals were dug to drain and water it, turning it into rich farmland.At first, the gardens produced vegetables-onions, leeks, and artichokes-and soon they were woven into the heart of Amiens’ economy.Over the years, farmers perfected the art of raising crops on small floating islands, and the hortillonnage spread to grow everything from vegetables to bright flowers and decorative plants.Its heart lies in the islands themselves-rafts of reeds, peat, and dark, rich soil.These islands rise from the marshland, their soil broad and firm enough to grow corn, wild herbs, and bright flowers.Farmers tend these islands like floating gardens, raising all kinds of crops and letting the canals carry water straight to the roots.Seasonal floods refresh the soil, keeping the system sustainable and the ecosystem in balance.The floating islands stay remarkably steady, their weight spread so evenly across the water that farmers can grow crops without harming the environment.Winding between them runs a web of narrow canals, just wide enough for a small wooden barque to glide through.The canals carry fresh produce from the gardens into the city and also give visitors a chance to explore.Guided boats glide between walls of emerald leaves, the air rich with the scent of wet earth.From the water, you catch a serene, almost otherworldly glimpse of the floating gardens, their bright flowers and crisp green vegetables swaying gently.The canals curve past overhanging willows and lilies, their edges softened by a fringe of water plants.The winding waterways weave through the Hortillonnages, shaping its peaceful charm, where the scent of damp earth lingers in the air.Along their banks grow rows of vegetables and bursts of flowers, while herons and ducks make their home among the reeds.Canals and marshes draw in flocks of herons, shimmering fish, and croaking frogs, while the gardens burst with bright blooms in the warm summer air.Along the waterways, irises, lilies, water hyacinths, and lotus flowers burst with color, their petals catching the sunlight and rippling in the breeze.This peaceful stretch is also a vital haven for biodiversity.The canals shelter wildlife such as great crested grebes, swans gliding past the reeds, and a variety of waterfowl, making the Hortillonnages a favorite for birdwatchers.The gardens also showcase sustainable farming, using organic methods and growing crops in step with the rhythms of the land.This method keeps the Hortillonnages’ soil rich and healthy while cutting down on harm to the environment.You can still see the floating gardens today, though fewer than in their heyday.In Amiens, farmers and gardeners still rely on time‑honored methods to grow everything from crisp lettuces to fragrant herbs, preserving both the environment and a living link to the past.The Hortillonnages draw visitors from around the world, inviting them to wander quiet waterways and discover the city’s rich agricultural and cultural roots.Besides taking a boat tour, you can wander the paths that trace the canals, pausing to watch lilies drift in the floating gardens and take in the quiet fields beyond.All year long, the Hortillonnages come alive with festivals, including the springtime Hortillonnages Festival.During the event, the gardens open to the public, inviting visitors to wander among the blooms, chat with the gardeners, and hear stories about the history and craft of floating agriculture.The Hortillonnages stand as a living reminder of Amiens’ deep ties to its water-fed fields.The floating gardens have shaped the city’s growth and still anchor its cultural identity, their narrow waterways lined with reeds.The Hortillonnages also serve as a vital ecological haven, sheltering a rich variety of plants and wildlife.The canals, marshes, and floating gardens form a thriving wetland that shelters wildlife, especially bright-feathered birds and humming insects.In spring, when the River Somme swells, the gardens soak up the excess water and keep floods at bay.The Hortillonnages of Amiens remain a rare and beautiful piece of the city’s heritage, carrying forward a farming tradition that’s lasted for centuries.Drifting along the canals of the floating gardens, past thick green leaves and bursts of bright flowers, you find a quiet place to breathe away from the city.Whether you’re drawn to the gardens’ history, their role in protecting local wildlife, or just the sight of bright blooms mirrored in quiet canals, the Hortillonnages belong on every Amiens itinerary.Blending rich traditions, lush scenery, and vital ecosystems, the floating gardens draw visitors in like few places can-water lilies drift at their edges, bright against the green.
