Let go, disconnect, discover nature and its benefits, eat healthily, awaken all your senses… This is the opportunity Aurélien and Pauline have created for you. Their gite in Vermand, less than two hours from Paris, aims to be green and respectful of the environment, with a zen, cocooning ambiance. They will share lots of green tips and ideas with you.
After being given an enthusiastic welcome by Jappy and Helma (their two adorable beagles) and Cookie and Pépito (their very cuddly cats), it’s time for a long walk in the fresh air. The River Omignon that runs right past the house is a place to get up-close and personal with nature. You can even go canoeing on it, taking things as slow and relaxed as you like!
Discover, too, the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Marais d'Isle, a true natural oasis in the heart of the town of Saint-Quentin, with an exceptional wealth of plant- and wildlife. Watch the bluethroat with red mirror centre or the majestic western marsh harrier, and spot roe deer along the paths and palmate newts in ponds – just a few of the little gems of nature here. Alternatively, borrow bikes to explore the little pathways in the area, uncovering local producers en route (your hosts recommend Monsieur Julien’s goat farm in Francilly-Selency).
When you get back, Pauline and Aurélien will be delighted to show you the beehives, the henhouse and even the herb spiral, a permaculture project (Pauline knows everything about her plants and their little secrets). Inhale the gorgeous scents of thyme, sage, rosemary, mint… Or discover Aurélien’s extensive kitchen garden before relaxing in the hammock or on a romantic swing beneath the lime trees.
And that’s not all. Taste little home-made cakes sweetened by honey gathered by Aurélien. Enjoy your thoughtful gift of a basket of super-local produce: fruits and vegetables from nearby producers or from the kitchen garden, eggs from the henhouse, artisan apple juice… Things from which to make yourselves a wholesome, replenishing meal.
And to really relax to the max, let yourself be tempted by a massage in your cocoon. There’s 65m² of it just for the two of you, fully fitted out and with decor that smells beautifully of wood, a spacious Italian-style shower and unimpeded views of the natural surroundings including the huge lime trees of the 4,000m² grounds. At the end of the day, don’t miss the sunsets from the settlement of Vermand, the pretty little village that hosts you this weekend.
When you wake up in the morning, the breakfast basket left at your door for you to eat whenever you like (no rushing to get up here!) will have you sampling more local products (apple juice, honey, herbal teas, jams…). And Pauline will have saved bread for you at the bakery 200m away, so you can wake up slowly to the sounds and smells of nature.
If you feel like ending the weekend with some cultural discovery, browse at the flea market in the Art Deco town of Saint-Quentin and let yourself be tempted by a romantic dinner at M. Jean, a restaurant with a focus on dishes home-made from local produce.
Vermand’s Le Tilleul des Marais is a little retreat from the world you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Insiders Tips