Amiens, does that ring a bell? Its stunning cathedral, charming canals, colorful houses, and of course, its Hortillonnages. So, what exactly are these Hortillonnages? Located just a stone's throw from the famous cathedral, they were originally designed in the Middle Ages for market gardening. Today, they mainly host private gardens, but also a unique artistic space: the International Garden Festival. These artistic and landscape creations, sometimes quirky and often innovative, weave a new dialogue between nature, heritage, and art.
A Festival That Has Become Essential
It was in 2010 that Gilbert Fillinger established the International Garden Festival at the heart of the Hortillonnages of Amiens. Since then, the event has welcomed over 620,000 visitors, more than 220 works, and nearly 350 artists, architects, and landscape designers who came to take part in this extraordinary gathering at the
heart of Amiens. And for this new and 16th edition, quality will once again be on point, with unprecedented creations and magical pathways.
Market gardeners Cabotans by Stéphane Larcin and Baptiste Demeulemeester, 2019 © A&JHdF-Yann MONEL
This year, 13 new artistic and landscape works are waiting for you, some of which honor the Netherlands, a country celebrated in this new edition, where the landscapes mixing water, nature, and innovations are not unlike the old marshes of the Hortillonnages. Or the canals that lead from Amiens, the little Venice of the North! These are carefully selected creations that blend into this magical place, recently awarded the 1st prize for the best concept of a contemporary European park and garden, presented by the European Garden Heritage Network.
An unforgettable journey in the heart of an open-air museum
Starting from the end of May... for 5 months, you'll get to explore the 22 spaces of the Festival, made up of intertwined islets with canals, to enjoy 49 contemporary creations scattered along the water. In addition to the new and older productions, you'll also discover student works from the UFR of Arts – University of Picardie Jules Verne and Édouard Branly High School, as well as the photographic project by artist Hideyuki Ishibashi in collaboration with the Institute for Photography of Hauts-de-France.
Gently, Charlotte van der Woude & Jean-Francois Gauthier_A&J_HDF © Van der Woude & Gauthier
To enjoy all these extraordinary treasures, blurring the boundaries between art and nature, and between heritage and contemporary creation, two options are available to you. A free one-hour walking tour on Fagots Island or Robinson Island, or an electric boat ride in total autonomy, allowing you to wander at your leisure among the islets and stop whenever you wish to admire the creations.
Discover Amiens in a different way
But more than just a meeting place for nature lovers, the International Garden Festival is a unique opportunity to dive a little deeper into The fascinating history of the city of Amiens. From the cathedral to the zoo, and the Picardy Museum, the Little Venice of the North is bursting with great finds and must-visit institutions. Among our favorites: the Saint-Pierre Park, a true green lung of the city, the house of Jules Verne, which immerses us in the visionary world of the author, and the Madeleine cemetery, a calm place full of history.
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Amiens is a city with infinite cultural richness, where you can enjoy not only monuments and green spaces but also local delicacies, like the Amiens macaroon, Picard tart, or leek pie. From May to October, you can enjoy the International Garden Festival to discover this city so close to the capital in a different way, all while enjoying a much-needed reconnection with nature!
International Garden Festival
Hortillonnages of Amiens
Island of Bundles – walking trail (free)
43 Chemin de Halage – Amiens (80000)
Clermont Pond – boating trail (boat rental)
35 Rue Roger Allou – Amiens (80450)
From May 23 to October 12, 2025
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Visit Amiens
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