Le Havre to Fecamp 36 miles

We slept untill 8:30 local time although both phones showed different times so we were not sure. The morning did not start well. Not only had I discovered I’d forgotten my tooth brush last night, but also the shaving cream this morning. After my compatriot had stopped gloating she then discovered she had forgotten her deodorant. So a trip to the chemist was requied for both of us although only to discover they could only provide the tooth brush, and directions to the supermarket. Off we walked and we quickly found what we needed along with a picnic lunch. We had decided against the overpriced hotel buffet breakfast and opted to cycle to find a cafe for petite dejeunier which we did. This was followed by a ride along the windy sea front and the long climb out of Le Harvre.

The climb saw us both walking and pushing our bikes to the top. I don’t like to mention this but I, like Lewis Hamilton, am feeling under the weather. On Sunday I had a sore throat, Monday a temperature, and today I have decanted Beachams lemon into my water bottle. So that’s my excuse. Having made the climb we then picked up the route signs.

This cycleway winds its way through lanes with frequent signs reminding motorist who is the boss.

The route took us through a number of villages, all deserted and without bars or shops. Eventually after 20 miles we found a restaurant with roadside tables outside where we stopped for a drink. We are carrying a picnic of cheese, bread, tomatoes and peaches, and although the restaurant food looks good we decide we should try to be healthy for at least one day. After a drink and rest we continue to a very pretty seaside town called Etratat where we head to the promenade to eat lunch.

Up until now it has been alternately sunny and overcast, very windy with some light showers. Just as we reach the prom it turns to rain and we stand, with all the other holiday makers, against a building to shelter before returning to the prom for the picnic. We do this three times before we finally get to eat. Then we have a seagull intimidating us so on this occasion it was not the best of picnics.

Today the route signs have deviated from the downloaded Garmin file. We assume this is to take us onto an improved route. Along the way we were overtaken by a deer and then a hare, for interest I could add we were also out run by a tortoise but that may not be true. Other than wildlife the roads are quiet and scenic save for the Garmin constantly reminding me we are off course.

We reached Fecamp another pretty town situated around a fishing harbour. I don’t know who organised this trip but the Hotel is actually on the cycle way. It is a typically French hotel with a typically French madam. I am chastised for my lack of French conversation. I thought my random use of school boy French words, along with repeating my name with what I thought was a French accent, was more than sufficient, and it did get me the room key and WiFi code. I did not want to converse with madam further anyway.

After a welcome shower and short rest we set off for a windy walk around the harbour. After stopping for a few glasses of cidre, and a perusal of menus displayed in various restaurants, we decided we would head back to our hotel where they were serving gallettes and crepes. We were not disappointed and after a delicious meal, finished off with cidre served in tea cups which is a typical Bretton accompliment to crepes. Off we went stiffly up the spiral staircase for a much needed sleep and Becham’s. Did I mention I am under the weather?