Just a stone's throw from the historic heart of Amiens and its famous cathedral, the Hortillonnages offer a unique experience. A veritable floating garden, fashioned over centuries, they cover more than 300 hectares of marshland and canals. You're sure to fall under the spell of this landmark of market gardening in Picardy.
Wondering what to do during a weekend in Amiens? A stroll through the Hortillonnages is a must! And to make the most of your stay, opt for an aparthotel in Amiens, right next to the centre and the cathedral.
Whether you're on a business trip or simply looking for a relaxing weekend away, an aparthotel in Amiens offers freedom and comfort.
The Hortillonnages: a natural treasure in the heart of Amiens
Located between the districts of Saint-Leu and Rivery, the Hortillonnages are a living heritage shaped by generations of hortillonners, the passionate market gardeners who have been cultivating these islands of land since the Middle Ages. The islands, linked by almost 65 km of canals, are a rare site in France, where local vegetable production continues to this day, using methods that are respectful to the environment.
The term hortillonnage comes from the Latin hortus, meaning garden. And true To its name, what you will discover here is a collection of floating gardens, meticulously maintained by the association and syndicate responsible for safeguarding the site.
The typical little houses with their flower-bedecked banks, the winding lanes and the reflections of the sky on the Somme make up a soothing picture that is often likened to a Venice of the North.
Visit the Hortillonnages: boating, walking, and exploring
Depending on what you want to do and the time of year, there are several ways to explore this unique location.
On a cornet boat: an essential experience
The most iconic option is still to visit the site in a cornet boat, a traditional flat-bottomed vessel, to preserve the calm and biodiversity. Whether following a guide or exploring on your own, the walk lasts around 45 minutes and features market gardens, weeping willows, orchards, birds, and vegetable gardens suspended between sky and water. Tours depart from 54 boulevard Beauvillé, just a few minutes from the city centre.
On foot or by canoe: a different view of nature
For walkers, the Hortillonnages educational trail offers a 7km loop from the Parc Saint-Pierre. This route links Amiens, Rivery, and Camon, following the canals, flower-filled banks, and a number of points of interest: the water market on the Quai Bélu, bird-watching areas, and listed natural spaces.
The more sporty can also opt for a canoe trip or an unforgettable aerial experience: a hot-air balloon flight over the marshes.
A lively site all year round
Open from April to October, the Hortillonnages are particularly lively in spring, when the flowers transform the landscape into a colourful mosaic. In summer, the boats meet the visitors who have come for the International Garden Festival, an artistic event where contemporary design meets nature.
And don't miss the June market on the water, at which hortillonists sell their produce directly from their boats, continuing a centuries-old tradition dating back to the 19th century.
Where to stay when visiting Amiens and the Hortillonnages?
After a day strolling through the canals and gardens, there's nothing like a comfortable stay in a Nemea Appart'Hôtel residence. Ideally located near the cathedral, the Musée de Picardie, and the city centre, our furnished apartments offer a modern and functional setting for all types of stay.
- For professionals: our fully-equipped apartments allow you to combine work and well-being. You'll enjoy a quiet space, a high-speed Wi-Fi connection, and services tailored to teams on the move, seminars, or training courses in Amiens.
- For individuals: enjoy accommodation complete with a kitchen, lounge area, and top-of-the-range bedding – ideal for a weekend away with your partner or family.
- Something for everyone: a strategic location from which to explore the city, between its architectural heritage and refreshing natural surroundings.
Whether you're on a business trip or a getaway, Nemea Appart'Hôtel Amiens guarantees you a warm and practical experience right in the heart of the city.
An experience combining history, nature, and relaxation
The Hortillonnages d'Amiens are much more than a tourist attraction: they tell the story of a city that has managed to preserve its natural ecosystem and cultural heritage. Combining marshes, gardens and canals, they symbolise the perfect union between man and nature, between tradition and modernity.
Staying at the Nemea Appart'Hôtel residence means choosing a welcoming setting, firmly rooted in its local area and combining independence, comfort, and authenticity. Book today!