Gardens of Picardy
7th Jun 2026
Key Highlights
- Enjoy three half-day cruises on the Somme waterways with lunch included
- Take a boat trip around the floating gardens of Les Hortillonnages
- Discover the elegance at the Château de Long
- Admire a tranquil country garden with many water features
Summary
The canalised River Somme, which meanders gently through the countryside of Picardy in north-east France, takes its name from a Celtic word meaning ‘tranquillity’. We will discover why this is so apt as we cruise silently along some 50km of the river aboard our eco-friendly, electrically powered barge. Amidst the convivial conversation, the only sounds to be heard will be the gently lapping water and the birdsong. For the full length of the waterway, there is a well-maintained towpath offering the chance of a walk where the locks are more closely spaced. There will be three half-day cruises in the course of our tour, with the rest of the time spent exploring our host city of Amiens and visiting some of the outstanding gardens of the region.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Return ferry crossings
- Meals as per itinerary
- Entry to all sites and cruise tickets as per itinerary
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
Meet your tour manager
Corinna Croft
Corinna has huge experience guiding groups round the UK, often with specialist interests, and managing tours worldwide. She has previously worked in publishing, retail, fashion, Sotheby's and interior design, following on from two years studying in Paris, and a year doing the V&A Art History Diploma. Spells of acting, voice-over work, translation and market research have fed her guiding knowledge and she loves to share the traditions, creativity and history of whichever destination she finds herself in.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our designated pick-up points and travel to Dover, to catch a late-morning ferry to Calais. On arrival we drive southwards along the edge of two of the regional natural Parks, the Opal Coast and the Bay of the Somme. This brings us to Amiens in the old Picardy region of north-east France, where we check into our hotel.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| London, Coach bays on Tothill Street, Westminster | 07:00 | 16:00 |
| Crowne Plaza Hotel Crawley RH11 7SX | 08:15 | 14:45 |
| Dover, P&O Ferry Terminal | 09:30 | 13:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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