Cosy Amiens holiday cottage comes with bikes… and boat!

From the moment you arrive at ‘Chés-Mouch'à-Miel’ – along the towpath and over the pretty wrought iron footbridge - all your expectations of your Amiens holiday cottage break are surpassed, because this restored 19th century cottage - almost fairytale amidst island upon island - is surely one of the most unique, enchanting, secluded and romantic, not to mention unusual, places to stay in France.

Once the owner Pierrette has welcomed you to your cottage, then left you to your own devices, you can rest assured that every box is ticked - from the style and comfort of your chic living space and beautiful mezzanine bedroom to the views over Northern France’s most famous city gardens. Super peaceful, simply and elegantly decorated, and designed with a digital detox in mind (blissfully, there’s no wifi), everything on your little Amiens holiday is conducive to complete relaxation. You’ll be able to savour special moments on your romantic weekend break like hopping onto your very own little rowing boat moored outside the cottage and meandering along the narrow waterways of the Hortillonnages – maybe spotting a grey heron or a kingfisher as you go. And you can even order up a French breakfast hamper which will be prepared and delivered to you. Now picture eating it out on your terrace whilst capturing the morning sun and filling your senses not just with blissful boulangerie goodies but all the intoxicating sights and sounds of nature.

Of course, you may be too zen by now, but when you read up on what the city of Amiens has up its sleeve, you’re sure to be tempted along the towpath to explore it. Make it even more fun (and easy) by heading there on two wheels and then take your pick of urban pleasures...

There’s the characterful, colourful and cobbled old ‘Saint-Leu’ district for a quayside coffee or cocktail, the incredible UNESCO-listed cathedral (climb its towers!), Jules Verne’s house or just a browse in the stylish French boutiques and city stores. When hunger comes calling, sample the best of Northern France’s ‘Picard’ cuisine in one of Amiens’ reputable restaurants (Pierrette can recommend) or head back to the cottage to dine in having picked up Amiénois delicacies at the ‘Halles’ indoor market. Here, French staples and specialities spill from stalls of fresh fish, cheese and wine plus fresh fruit and vegetables grown by market gardeners right where you’re staying at the Hortillonnages. You can’t get much more local than that!