Title – Name
Les Hortillonnages d’Amiens
Scope / Sector / Industry
Overtourism management
Country / Region
France, Amiens
Why is it good practice?
The Hortillonnages d’Amiens (Gardens of Amiens) are a model of good practice in sustainable tourism management, as they combine the protection of a sensitive wetland ecosystem with economic and social sustainability. This ecosystem, with its canals and cultivated islands, has significant ecological, historical and cultural value, while human activity coexists harmoniously with nature. A decisive factor in the preservation of the landscape is an independent local association that manages the area without public subsidies, implementing sustainable tourism management with a limited number of visitors. The income is reinvested in the maintenance and restoration of the site, while the use of local labor and low-impact practices strengthen the connection with the community, making the Gardens of Amiens a model of balance between tourism and the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
How is it applied?
The Hortillonnages d’Amiens (Gardens of Amiens) are a unique wetland complex of approximately 300 hectares around the Somme River, in the Amiens region, France. Their history begins about 2,000 years ago, when the inhabitants transformed the natural marshes into arable land and, gradually, into a network of canals and floating gardens. Today, the elongated gardens (small, well-kept plots separated by narrow water passages) host vegetables, flowers and fruit trees, creating a landscape of particular aesthetic and productive value. At the same time, the area is distinguished by its significant biodiversity, with more than 30 species of fish and a multitude of birds that find refuge in the water and vegetation of the area.
The land in the Hortillonnages is mainly private. The small islands and arable land belong to private individuals, often to the gardeners themselves, the so-called hortillons, or to their descendants. However, despite the private nature of the property, the area is subject to a special protection regime, with regulations that regulate use, cultivation and access, in order to preserve the traditional and ecological character of the landscape.
A decisive role in shaping and preserving the landscape has long been played by the hortillons, who cultivated vegetables, fruit and flowers and transported them in traditional boats to Amiens for sale at the markets. In the 19th century, up to 950 producers were active, but after the mid-20th century their number decreased dramatically, due to changes in the agricultural economy. Nevertheless, those who remained continue the tradition, transmitting from generation to generation techniques and knowledge that ensure both the productivity and the ecological balance of the gardens.
The need to protect the area was strongly highlighted in 1975, when it was proposed to build a bypass road that would cross the floating gardens. In response to this proposal, the Association pour la Protection et la Sauvegarde du Site et de l’Environnement des Hortillonnages (APSSEH) was founded by Nisso Pelosoff, with the aim of preserving the natural and cultural landscape. Since 1991, the association has been recognized as a public interest organization, while its operation is based on the president, 7 employees and volunteers, while an annual general meeting of members is held to make decisions for the benefit of the community. Membership in the association is open to everyone, with an annual membership fee (basic 5€, support 10€, honorary 20€).
The income from subscriptions strengthens the financial independence of the association, while members can also become active as volunteers, participating in actions, events and initiatives to protect and promote the place.
The main axes of action of the association focus on:
- Habitat conservation: The canals, “islands” and cultivated areas are protected in order to preserve the natural environment for the plants and animals that live there.
- Public awareness: Informing visitors about the cultural and environmental value of the Hortillonnages, in order to strengthen support for their preservation.
- Regulations: Implementation of local or national rules for the protection of the space and its sustainable use.
- Ecological management: Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and reduction of chemicals, in order to preserve biodiversity.
- In local community participation: Involving residents, farmers and stakeholders in management and protection.
- In research and monitoring: Studying and monitoring the health of the ecosystem to obtain useful information for conservation.
In this way, protection is not limited to preserving the landscape, but extends to ensuring its long-term sustainability.
At the same time, the association has developed a gentle form of tourism activity, emphasizing sustainable experiences. From April to October, tours lasting approximately 45 minutes are offered on traditional gardeners’ boats – hortillons. Twenty seasonal workers (boatmen and guides) introduce visitors to the biodiversity, history and agricultural heritage of the area, using electric boats that do not pollute the environment.
The revenue from tickets is reinvested entirely in the care and maintenance of the site and specifically in the following actions:
- Conservation and protection of the natural environment: Visitor participation finances the protection of biodiversity, fauna and flora as well as the waterways that form the core of the Hortillonnages landscape.
- Works on the slopes and canals: The money is used to purchase materials (e.g. timber, slabs, geotextiles, support structures) and for the renovation and stabilization work of the canal slopes. This work is essential to maintain the structure of the site and the safety of the routes.
- Staff and maintenance workers’ salaries: The revenue contributes to covering the salaries of guides/tourists, reception staff and teams working on the maintenance of the canals and slopes.
- Support for owners: Part of the income also allows the association to offer landowners more affordable prices for maintenance work on their own slopes, thus enhancing the overall care of the ecosystem. This is done upon request from the owner on the association’s website.
To better serve visitors, the association provides information on prices, opening hours, accessibility of the site, as well as suggestions for food and accommodation on its official website. During the period April–October, the site is open throughout the day, with the exception of the period 12:30–13:30 and after 19:00, respecting the privacy of the owners. During the rest of the year, maintenance and restoration work is carried out on the landscape.
In addition, when visiting the site, photography of the landscape is permitted, but not of the owners, and pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs. Regarding accessibility for people with disabilities, although not all the required infrastructure is offered, full information is provided so that people are informed before their trip to the destination.
Based on all of the above and with the combination of protection, participation and gentle tourist development, the Hortillonnages are preserved as a living example of the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
Where is it applied?
The Hortillonnages d’Amiens initiative is directly aimed at visitors interested in alternative and sustainable tourism, nature and cultural experiences in Amiens. However, it indirectly works to the benefit of the local community.
When did it applied?
The APSSEH Association was established in 1975.
Results
The management of the Hortillonnages d’Amiens has been highlighted by the Interreg Europe program as a good example of sustainable tourism which has achieved:
- The reduction of overtourism.
- The good conservation of the area.
- The reduction of the number of visitors each year, despite increasing demand.
Other information
See more information about the Hortillonnages d’Amiens initiative here.