Nestling on the top of the ramparts, the Herbarium was created in 1996, on the site of the garden, which the nuns from the Hospital had cultivated for centuries. A mediaeval garden has been retraced to grow medicinal and ornamental plants, plants used in dyeing, and plants for food and flavouring: over a 1000 species are listed.

At the entrance there is a charming, white rose-covered bower. But it is only when you have walked down the age-old stone steps and turned the corner of an old wall that you discover the true wonders of this garden.

Rare and ancient vegetables grow side by side with aromatic plants. Woad, waide in Picardy dialect, which made the fortune of the merchants of Amiens in the Middle Ages, has pride of place amongst other plants used for dyeing. Plants most characteristic of Picardy's biotopes are also well represented. As for the rock plants, they flourish on the old fortifications.

Why not sign up for a guided tour. You will all the secrets about the properties of the "simples" (medicinal plants), and see the latest additions to the garden, which is enriched every year by new species, added by the members of the Association who manage it, or donated by visitors won over by it.

The Association has also applied its enthusiasm and talent in the service of the town's streets, which it adorns with valerians, hollyhocks and purple toadflax.

Practical info

Opening times
Visit from 1/05 to 31/10, 10 am-6 pm (during the week), 10:30 am-12:30 pm
and 3 pm-6:30 pm (on week-ends and bank holidays).
Guided tour upon request.
Detailed tour by prior appointment every Tuesdays at 2 pm/

Prices
Adults : 5 €
Children/Students : 2 €

Detailed tour :
Adults : 6 €

Access
After parking your vehicle near the war memorial, enter the first door on the left, after the steps.

The Herbarium
36, rue Brandt - 80230 Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Tel : +33 (0)3 22 26 90 72
Website : www.saint-valery-sur-somme.com