This Gite has everything the experienced (and inexperienced) traveller requires. At just over 1100sqft, with 2 good sized bedrooms (and a dressing room attached to each), an open-plan kitchen with a table to die for and a nice cozy 'lounge' just off the the kitchen, this was literally a home from home.

Throughout the thoroughly redecorated gite, Sandra LeClercq's exquisite pieces of art are hung tastefully. Not a full-time painter, her works took our collective breath away.

Outside, is the lake you see in the photos. It was literally a stone's throw away and I took delight in having coffee and breakfast on the well-tended table in the bar-b-que area, whilst coots, ducks and other water fowl honked and hooted to eachother. The Etangs was closed to public access whilst we were there, but I sincerely hope that it is when we're able to next visit. Regardless, it made for a stunning and tranquil backdrop.

The goats and chickens were an added bonus, and we all took the chance to name them, then stroke the goats (Billy, the unoriginally-named Billygoat) was a bit of a stinker, but he was such a character it was easy to look past that.

Pascal and Sandra were the consummate hosts, putting up with my schoolboy French, and always ready with a smile and a wave when we passed. From the greeting we received upon arrival, through to au revoir as we said our goodbyes, they couldn't do enough for us, including a plethora of leaflets for local areas of interest aswell as a booklet of vouchers to attractions.

Corbie is a delightful town with a lot of history and, if you're interested in the Great War, is perfectly situated for every single battle site of the Somme, something which I took great advantage of. There is a market on Friday, which is predominantly clothes and food, including some amazing local honey. There aren't a lot of things for kids to do locally, but Amiens and Albert are both very close, and the coast is only an hour-and-half away if you're happy to take one of the toll roads.

It should be borne in mind that Sunday opening hours apply, and restaurants and eateries tend not to open for the full day, so if you're thinking about having meal out, it's worth checking the times on any websites they might have.

I truly loved my stay in that gite, and would love to return again for more research, writing, and chilling out by the lake. We shall also do our best to improve our French so that we can have a proper natter with Pascal and Sandra.