Top 9 Lakes around Amiens
Best lakes around Amiens are characterized by a network of waterways and diverse aquatic environments. The region features unique floating gardens, known as Hortillonnages, alongside natural reserves and artificial ponds. These water bodies contribute to the area's ecological landscape and offer various recreational opportunities. The Somme River also plays a significant role in shaping the local aquatic scenery.
Best lakes around Amiens
- The most popular lakes is Hortillonnages of Amiens, an other_natural area consisting of 300 hectares of floating gardens intersected by 65 km of canals. Visitors can explore these unique gardens via guided boat tours.
- Another must-see spot is Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve, a natural_monument covering 13.4 hectares of wetlands and ponds. This reserve is home to many rare species of plants and animals, and features a marked trail accessible to people with reduced mobility for wildlife observation.
- Visitors also love Les Étangs de la Barette, a lake site of approximately 40 hectares. These artificial ponds, originally dug by monks, offer views of water and wetlands, and are known for their diverse flora and fauna, including the Blue Fountains.
- Amiens is known for its unique floating gardens, protected nature reserves, and artificial ponds. These diverse water bodies provide opportunities for nature observation, tranquil exploration, and water sports.
- The lakes around Amiens are appreciated by the komoot community, with 28 upvotes and 15 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve
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Les Étangs de la Barette
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Lake in Parc Saint-Pierre
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It is a contemporary garden. A footbridge under the Beauvillé bridge leads to the Hortillonnages pier. Another, to the south, spans the Somme and connects the park to the Saint-Leu district.
Designed according to sustainable development standards (no watering is required, no phytosanitary products are used, etc.), this project won the Landscape Prize, awarded by the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development in 2005.
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Saint-Ladre Pond
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The ecological management implemented since the 1990s has made it possible to develop a complex mosaic of habitats among the most representative of alkaline peat systems, allowing the expression of characteristic, often heritage, flora and fauna.
Find all the information concerning this site here:
cen-hautsdefrance.org/site/rnn-letang-saint-ladre
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Hortillonnages of Amiens
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Glisy ponds
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Marais des Cavins
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Les Puits Tournants
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Étang de Rivery
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Tips from the Community
Site managed by the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels des Hauts de France (Hauts-de-France Regional Nature Reserve). A wide, stabilized gravel path, open to the public, is maintained and marked with signposts. Since 2012, an audio guide has allowed you to explore the nature reserve with a "virtual guide." QR codes placed along the path allow you to play the audio clips using your smartphone. This audio guide is available in three languages (French, English, and Dutch). https://www.cen-hautsdefrance.org/rnn-l-etang-saint-ladre
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The Etang Saint-Ladre Nature Reserve in Boves is located at the gates of Amiens, in the L’Avre Valley, a tributary of the Somme. In 1979, it became the first site in Picardy to be classified as a State Nature Reserve. The ecological management implemented since the 1990s has made it possible to develop a complex mosaic of habitats among the most representative of alkaline peat systems, allowing the expression of characteristic, often heritage, flora and fauna. Find all the information concerning this site here: https://www.cen-hautsdefrance.org/site/rnn-letang-saint-ladre/
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A very pleasant section of the path with lovely views of the embarkation quay for visiting the hortillonnages and to admire the reflection of the glass buildings in the dark waters of the ponds.
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Nice view of the ponds and the villa "Les étangs".
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The floating gardens can be explored with a guided boat tour.
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The hortillonnages are “floating gardens” in Amiens. You can visit these gardens in flat-bottomed boats for 12 people, led by a French-speaking guide, in a trip of 45 minutes. The gardens extend over 300 hectares. and they are intersected by 65 km of canals.
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Very beautiful springs. Not very rolling in Gravel. Large flints were added to more than a third of the segment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes near Amiens?
The region's wetlands and ponds are rich in biodiversity. At the Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve, you can observe rare species of plants and animals, including dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, and various waterfowl. The Hortillonnages of Amiens are a haven for diverse flora and fauna like water lilies, mute swans, and crested grebes. Les Étangs de la Barette also offer diverse flora and fauna, including the unique Blue Fountains.
What unique aquatic experiences are available in Amiens?
Amiens is famous for its Hortillonnages, a 300-hectare mosaic of floating gardens intersected by 65 kilometers of waterways. You can explore this serene labyrinth by traditional 'barque à cornet' (flat-bottomed boats), electric boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. Guided tours provide insights into their history and ecology. The International Garden Festival also offers artistic creations on the ponds.
Are there opportunities for water sports near Amiens?
Yes, the Clara Pond in Dreuil-lès-Amiens hosts the Amiens Cable Park, where you can enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding. The electric cable system makes it accessible for various skill levels, including children.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Several locations are family-friendly. The Hortillonnages of Amiens offer gentle boat tours. The Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve has accessible trails for nature observation. Lake in Parc Saint-Pierre is a good spot for a family outing, and Les Étangs de la Barette and Marais des Cavins are also suitable for nature lovers of all ages.
Are there accessible trails for visitors with reduced mobility around the lakes?
Yes, the Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve features a marked trail that is accessible to people with reduced mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy views of the water and marshes and observe wildlife.
What is the historical significance of the floating gardens in Amiens?
The Hortillonnages of Amiens are a unique cultural heritage, with cultivation dating back to the Middle Ages. These floating gardens were traditionally worked by 'hortillons' (market gardeners) who used the waterways to transport their produce. The Hortillonnages Museum provides further insight into this living tradition. You can learn more about their history on the Amiens Tourism website: The Hortillonnages.
When is the best time to visit the lakes and waterways around Amiens?
The Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve is open all year round, offering continuous opportunities for nature observation. The Hortillonnages of Amiens are particularly vibrant during the International Garden Festival, which showcases landscape and artistic creations, typically in warmer months.
Are there good walking or hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, the Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve offers a marked trail for leisurely walks. For more extensive outdoor activities, you can explore various routes in the region. For example, there are numerous running trails around Amiens, including routes like 'Le passage aux Loups' or 'Cathédrale d'Amiens loop', which often incorporate scenic water views. You can find more details on these routes in the Running Trails around Amiens guide.
What other outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, the area around Amiens offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Somme Valley Cycle Route' or 'Along the Avre', which provide scenic rides near waterways. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like 'Marsh between the Avre and the Noye'. For more information, check out the Cycling around Amiens guide and the MTB Trails around Amiens guide.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
While the Hortillonnages are well-known, the Glisy ponds offer a quieter lakeside experience. Further afield, the Étang des Moines (Monks' Pond) provides a tranquil setting for fishing and birdwatching, home to various fish species and birds like herons and kingfishers, offering a peaceful escape from the more frequented areas.
Can I find places to relax and eat near the lakes?
Yes, at the Amiens Cable Park on Clara Pond, you'll find facilities offering refreshments and fast food, with a terrace by the water. For other locations, it's advisable to check local amenities or plan a picnic to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Parking is available at some locations, such as near the Lake in Parc Saint-Pierre. For other sites like the Saint-Ladre Pond Nature Reserve, entry is free, and parking is generally available nearby, though it's always good to check specific access points.
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