Issue No. 25

Island life
I stayed at a B&B in a cabin called
Ch’Canard, on one of the floating gardens, a
little corner of paradise. Accessible by a tiny
bridge over a ribbon of water, as soon as I
closed the gate, it was like being on a
remote island, far away from the buzz of
normal daily life. In my beautiful 120 year
old, tastefully decorated cabin for two I felt
cossetted and cocooned, the star of my own
Robinson Crusoe story.
In the gorgeous gardens I crossed little
wooden footbridges to explore dozens of
islands all around me, lilies floated on the
calm canals, roses and willows dipped down
to the water’s edge and the air was filled
with the song of frogs and birds. I slept like a
baby and can honestly say, it’s one of the
most unusual and wonderful B&B’s I’ve ever
stayed in. Details: Ch’Canard, Rivery
The biggest Cathedral in France
The first stone of Amiens Cathedral was laid
in the year 1220. It is a masterpiece of
Gothic art, 145metres long and 70 metres
wide at the transept – it is truly monumental
and utterly divine. There are vaulted
doorways, statues of kings, apostles and
saints. 126 pillars support the soaring
vaulted roof, the 16th century wood carved
choir stalls are magnificent, stained glass
windows cast soft light on the ancient walls
and floor. There are gargoyles galore, turrets
and towers and listening to the majestic bells
gives your goose bumps.