Ecologik in Amiens: environmental education and a view from the field
Ecologik is first and foremost an environmental education project led by Jules in Amiens. The boat tour in the heart of the Hortillonnages is one of its public expressions, but the overall ambition is broader: passing on nature differently, outdoors, without moralising.
An environmental education project
Ecologik is an approach to raising awareness of living things, of local landscapes and of the links between people, water, wildlife and plants. The tone is curious, accessible and free of jargon.
The aim is not to lecture but to offer a concrete way in: observing, listening, telling, walking, going out on the water.
Jules, naturalist guide
Jules is a naturalist guide with a master’s degree in ecology, and he created Ecologik to pass on nature differently. His path has led him to work with children, adults, groups and organisations on environmental education.
On the water, he keeps the same approach: telling the story of what you pass through, adapting it to the audience, leaving room for questions.
What the boat tour passes on
An Ecologik outing in the heart of the Hortillonnages is not a standardised sightseeing tour. It draws on observing the banks, the canals, the plants, the occasional birds, and on local knowledge of the Amiens area.
For adults, it is a moment of calm and storytelling. For families, it is a way into a naturalist’s curiosity, without turning the tour into a lesson.
Outings, workshops, tailor-made formats
Beyond the boat, Ecologik can be asked for guided walking tours, tailor-made formats for groups, associations or educational organisations, and nature workshops when Jules’s schedule allows.
The exact formats (durations, content, audiences, prices) are set case by case. The request form lets you discuss them directly with Jules.
And the good local addresses?
Ecologik recommends good addresses around Saint-Leu and Amiens: producers, restaurants, cultural venues, craftspeople. Food, drinks or purchases are paid directly to each place. Ecologik sells the tour and the guiding, not the products of the places it recommends.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official Hortillonnages tour?
No. Ecologik Amiens offers a boat escapade guided by Jules, separate from the official Hortillonnages tour: that one has its own starting point, its own route and its own ticket office. The Ecologik escapade is a different local experience, along the water and through the nature of Amiens.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point depends on the tour you choose: it is always shown before booking and repeated in the confirmation email. The boat tour in the heart of the Hortillonnages starts and ends at Île au Fagot (a loop). The walking tours of Saint-Leu start at Place du Don. The boat tour through Saint-Leu returns next season.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, dogs come free of charge. On the shared boat, one dog per booking, declared when booking so the other passengers know, kept on a lead and under the responsibility of the person accompanying it. When you book the whole boat, several dogs are possible.
Do babies take a seat on the boat?
No. Babies under 3 are free and take no seat on the boat, as they are carried in a parent’s arms. They must still be declared when booking.
Does Ecologik only offer boat tours?
No. The boat tour in the heart of the Hortillonnages is the most visible offer, but Ecologik can also run walking tours, group formats or educational programmes, depending on Jules’s availability.
Can Ecologik work with a school or an association?
Yes, on a quote and depending on availability. The request form lets you describe the project: audience, aim, constraints, schedule.
Do you need to know about nature?
No. No prior knowledge is needed. Jules adapts the story to the group, without jargon or expert talk.