les hortillonnages d'amiens

After a slightly chaotic line to purchase tickets there was a short wait before departing on the boats. The guide was very friendly and well informed. Perhaps July is not the best time to see market gardens. Lots of the properties appear to be little havens from the city in the middle of the city. Not so many were being used for growing produce. An enjoyable visit to a unique place, but gardens themselves not so special.

In the city we were told that this was a perfect summer destination. We were there on 31Dec, so no boats but it stays a nice walk along the Somme, at walking distance from the Cathedral and the St Leu quarter. A lot of joggers and bikers now this place

The Hortillonnages are an amazing site, representing floating allotments on a maze of over 60 Km of canals. Dating back to the Roman times they were originally created to cultivate the marshland. The trip around these canals lasts 45mins and one travels on small electric-driven boats that slowly and quietly glide along the canals. One sees a variety of individual and somewhat quirky houses and gardens. It is difficult to appreciate the peace and tranquillity when one is so close to the city centre of Amiens. The trip is very relaxing and a quiet unique experience for a city centre attraction. Although the guides do a commentary which is in French, it is still fascinating just to sit back and watch the world go by. Prices are very reasonable (€5.90 for adults), and the trips run daily from April to end of October. Even though the notice on the entrance has times from 9.00am, we were told that there were only trips from 1.30pm onwards. Best to check the schedule first before turning up to find the place closed. Very pleasant way to spend an afternoon (if the weather is fine). The boats have no protection from the elements so best to check the weather forecast before setting off.

We have done this walk twice, in summer and in autumn: most recently after a delicious lunch at Les Galettes St Leu, on the Quai Bélu - and enjoyed it both times. The houses and gardens are varied and individual (not to say quirky, in some cases), and there is plenty of wildlife. We haven't done the boat trip, although recommended, so can't comment on that. I've said the walk is free, which is true, but of course the boat trip is not - just to be clear. There is a bar / brasserie just at the start of the walk, by the bridge: there is also a restaurant further along, but it has been closed both times we've visited.

Everyone said we had to see these gardens, but we found them poorly kept up and uninteresting. The history is interesting, but they were not worth seeing on a chilly, cloudy day in September. And we felt sorry for the people crammed into the boats, hugging themselves to stay warm. Visit if you are sick of city sights, but they're not worth staying another day in Amiens to visit.

Peace and tranquillity within a bustling city. The sight of people in boats, sadly we did not have time to do that ourselves.We spent quite a bit of time trying to find it initially, it does not seem to be well signposted.

These waterways were amazing. A small boat guides you through these beautiful canals where people live and tend lovely gardens. A lovely way to spend an hour.

What a delightful surprise ! We went to Amiens to see the cathedral and this was a really lovely unexpected surprise . A huge network of islands and canals , lakes and streams first developped in Roman times to cultivate the rich marshland . You can take boat rides which gently take you along past beautiful gardens and vegetables plots . The boats are small and quiet and its all very relaxing . Not too expensive - it lasts 45 minutes , the only downside for Anglophones is the commentary is in French . Afterwards we walked along the towpath of the Somme which is very nearby and equally enjoyableIt is busy so go early as there are queues

This was an amazing trip by small barge. We travelled round the canal and viewed the gardens. Unfortunately most of the trip was in French. I asked the guide if he could do some in English. I thought he indicated he would but by the time we had nearly finished the trip I reaised he was not going to do this. It is well worth the visit. Make sure you check the times as they close for lunch and they may only take groups in the morning.

A must see if you are in Amiens. Very easy to get to the site. The tour is in French, but if you don't speak French you can still enjoy the sites.

Doubtless there are countless literary associations with this place but the one that came to mind (and especially relevant in this centenary year of the outbreak of First World War) is Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong. At that time, Faulks wrote 'the land was intensively cultivated for vegetables, either in small plots where the owner lived in a simple house on the site, or in larger areas whose farmer was likely to live in town'. Well, to my surprise most of the vegetables have gone and most of the plots are now used by their owners for relaxing it seems. Nonetheless this remains a unique 'site of natural beauty' and I can thoroughly recommend.

This was a great way to start the day. We got there just after 11am, the price for the boat ride was very affordable and we only had to wait 10minutes for our ride. Our guide did speak a little English and briefly told us of the area and answered our questions. We saw a few birds, wonderful gardens and the beauty of nature. It felt like another world away, very enjoyable.

A bob down the river in a unique barge to look at some (basically) floating island allotments ( they are really pretty) is a very pleasant way to pass a couple of hours if visiting Amiens.Guide spoke English too.Children enjoyed the trip – well worth a visit, and to think that the local government wanted to turn the area into a motorway, three cheers for the City people surging up against that!

Relaxing punt/ boat trip. Get your ticket and check your expected time - may be quite a wait. Even though the commentary was all French, and our understanding limited, we got the gist and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Our French was not up to understanding the film show or the boatman as he drove us around these market gardens but it was still a fascinating hour in which we felt we were seeing something that you can't see anywhere else!