The Amiens hortillonnages (in Picard: ches hortillonnaches Anmiens) are an area of ​​300 hectares of former marshes located to the east of the city of Amiens and on the territories of the communes of Rivery, Camon and Longueau, developed (in the Middle Ages, probably from the 12th century) to create fields usable for market gardening.

The site of the hortillonnages is supplied by the waters of the canalized Somme which runs through it from west to east, and of its tributary the Avre. The towpath of the Somme canal has been converted into a greenway which is part of the Somme Valley cycle route.

The hortillonnages are formed by a multitude of alluvial islands, the "aires" surrounded by 65 kilometers of waterways, the "rieux" (name of the canals of the hortillonnages in Picard) and ditches which are used for drainage and irrigation. They have picturesque names: la Cauchiette (the causeway), le Peuple (poplar), le rieu à Galets, le rieu de la Crosse, du Gouverneur, du Pont cassé, du Tournet, de la Broquette, du Malaquis…

Go to the hortillonages:

In a traditional cornet boat
We opt for the traditional version in a cornet boat with a boatman guide who tells us the history of these gardens. Meet at La Maison des Hortillonnages - landing stage at 54 boulevard Beauvillé – Tel. 03 22 92 12 18

By boat with a private guide
Rémi offers you a unique and privileged trip, aboard an electric motor boat for a silent and small group visit. Meet on the towpath The hortillonnages and you - Tel. 07 67 66 12 65
By electric boat and far from the beaten track, Paco offers you an unforgettable visit to the Hortillonnages. Meet at the Jardin des Vertueux - 472, Chaussée Jules Ferry in Amiens - Tel. 06 30 89 43 21

By boat (rental)
If you are a fan of autonomy, you can rent a small individual rowing boat from the Ô Jardin restaurant on the towpath - Tel. 03 22 92 04 27
or an electric boat from the Musée des Hortillonnages - Tel. 03 22 91 95 53

On foot
From the Saint Pierre park, take an educational trail along the towpath. Our suggested route

By bike
At the station (50m from the Hortillonnages), you can rent a mountain bike from Buscyclette. Tel. 03 22 715 111 - Our suggested itinerary

By canoe or kayak
For those who like unbeaten paths! A sort of alternative route for discovering the unusual hortillonnages accompanied by a guide or on your own by renting your equipment Club Nautique de Rivery - Tel.: 03 22 91 63 75