Your secluded Amiens gite, a waterside haven for two

Here’s a romantic weekend break where right from the start ─ along the towpath, through the gate, over the pretty footbridge ─ you get the sense that ‘Ch'Canard’, your little Amiens holiday cottage is going to be an enchanting thing indeed. And you won’t be disappointed: this elegant chalet, hidden away within a maze of green islands and meandering waterways, really is the most peaceful little haven imaginable – and it’s all yours for the space of a blissful weekend away.

Once the owner Pierrette has welcomed you to your Amiens holiday cottage and left you to your own devices you can rest assured that every box is ticked ─ from style and comfort to the views over Northern France’s famous Hortillonnages floating gardens. Time now to throw away daily stresses and strains, switch off completely (no WiFi – what joy!) and enjoy the rare opportunity to simply concentrate on each other and the paradise at the end of the garden. Picture capturing the morning sun as you enjoy a French breakfast on the terrace, whilst filling your senses with the intoxicating sights and sounds of nature in a landscape so tranquil all you can hear is the birdsong.

The sense of wraparound nature continues as you hop onto your own little rowing boat moored directly outside the cottage and head off to navigate the narrow waterways of the Hortillonnages – maybe spotting a grey heron or a kingfisher as you go. Pierrette can also lend you bikes for a little escapade along the Somme towpaths too. There’s only one problem with all this of course – and that’s that in such peaceful surroundings, it’s easy to forget that the city of Amiens – with SO much to discover – is right on the doorstep. Allow time to visit the characterful old ‘Saint-Leu’ district for a quayside coffee or cocktail, the shops selling Amiens’ favourite sweet treat the macaron, and of course visit the magnificent cathedral (Unesco World Heritage site). Sample the best of Northern France cuisine in one of its reputable restaurants or opt to dine back in your Amiens holiday cottage, stopping at the city’s indoor market. Here, French staples spill from stalls of fresh fish, cheese, wine and – oh so local ─ fruit and vegetables grown by market gardeners right where you’re staying.

So, your Amiens holiday cottage in Northern France is healthy in every sense it seems.”It does make me smile” says Pierrette of her guests, “… you can almost see their batteries recharging on a romantic weekend break at Ch’canard.”