A lovely, if cold, start to the day a bit earlier than usual
as we’d learned yesterday that the narrow gauge steam train that travels round
the Baie de Somme had a 11.00 departure and we fancied a trip to St Valery. So
after our, now traditional, bacon and eggs we walked round in plenty of time.
The usual, very well run, enthusiasts railway was enjoyable and the hour trip
enabled us to view the bay properly, although you could actually see almost as
much from the road of course. But it was fun.
St Valery sur Somme has had quite a history as a port,
including being the last jump-off for William the Conqueror on his way to
Hastings in 1066, although he was only here because his fleet actually went
aground……..! It is now very much an up-market seaside holiday town with posh
shops, hotels and dozens of restaurants. The Sunday morning market was on when
we arrived but was nothing special so after a stroll round we stopped off for
delicious crepes and coffee before ambling around to the old town then back
along the quay to the train stop – you couldn't call it a station.
Another pleasant trip on a now much more full train – a couple
of coach trips had joined – before a stroll back to the van for a cuppa and
relax. After only a few minutes the couple from a British van alongside us came
to call looking for information, having seen our Fun stickers, and the
afternoon was spent chatting with them at quite some length.
Then after a late tea, we wandered over to our Morocco
friends, Ken and Lynda (not forgetting Jess!), for drinks and a catch-up.
Altogether an extremely enjoyable day to round off the French part of our tour.
Up to Calais tomorrow, ready for an early crossing on Tuesday.
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