Camon is a commune in the Somme, in the Hauts-de-France region, east of Amiens, with which it borders.
Its territory of nearly 13 km² is urbanized on its "southern" part, on the right bank of the course of the Somme. Three quarters of the town are also still dedicated to agriculture, with the exception of communication routes such as the RN 25 linking Amiens to Arras. The famous hortillonnages of Amiens (former marshes where peat was extracted, which have been converted into market gardening crops connected by canals) also cover part of Camon.
The discovery of weapons dating from the Bronze Age testify to a very ancient human presence on the territory, then known in the Middle Ages for its agricultural and flourishing prosperity (establishment of mills).
More recently, at the start of the First World War, a number of German regiments camped in the town.
This one now benefits from the proximity of Amiens, and its demography (4,400 inhabitants) demonstrates a residential vocation which has not however erased its rural and bucolic landscapes.
The local leisure offer should be taken into account during a stopover in the capital of Picardy.
In terms of heritage, the parish church of Saint-Vaast erected in the 16th century is the jewel of the city. Built on a mound, long renowned for its pilgrimage dedicated to puny children slow to walk, it was altered in the 18th century (the apse of the choir being pierced with a bay) then in the 19th century (this same choir benefitting from a new arrangement for house an altarpiece and the building being enlarged by the addition of a side aisle). The date of February 13, 1635 can still be seen above the portal (to commemorate a flooding of the Somme) and the massive bell tower topped by an arrow. Built in white stone and flint, the church has a wooden frame in the shape of a ship's hull, and it retains a 16th century stone holy water font, listed statues and bas-reliefs, 18th century paintings from the 19th century. church of the Cordeliers d'Amiens, liturgical furniture from the 19th century. Finally, its stained-glass windows date from the 20th and 21st centuries.
With regard to cultural leisure activities, the Nymphéa center programs quality shows throughout the year (information on +33 3 22 49 67 01). As for the Pierre Garnier library, activities such as meetings, readings or workshops are regularly offered there (contact +33 3 22 97 10 17).
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure activities, the town of Camon has quality potential with the Gaston Gambier space, fitted out on the former site of the "Marais aux Bœufs", on the banks of the Somme, in direction of Longueau. In a green environment, it includes play areas, an open hall used in particular for picnics, walking trails (with a fitness trail) but also a fishing area on the edge of a pond. This green lung which seduces even the inhabitants of the agglomeration is accessible every day. For more information, call +33 3 22 49 30 00.
A stopover at Camon can also be the opportunity to discover the hortillonnages, developed in their current form from the 17th century. There are only 300 hectares of these vegetable crops crossed by canals, compared to nearly 10,000 500 years ago! Their charm, however, has remained intact. The towpath along the Somme is an easy access door in a bucolic setting. There are some 7 km of decorated bridges and recreational gardens, in addition to the hortillonnages themselves.
Other hiking loops allow you to explore the agricultural countryside north-east of Camon or to reach the center of Amiens (on foot or by bike via secure routes). Maps and information on +33 3 22 71 60 50.
Also note, for athletes, that it is possible to book a tennis court by contacting the local club on +33 6 72 86 62 60.
From mid-July to mid-October, international garden festival (on the hortillonnages site) with guided tours (in boats), workshops, exhibitions, activities.
