Our Don’s coach left promptly at 8am, and we settled down for a smooth ride to Dover thanks to our driver David. The sea was choppy and visibility poor, but the crossing was nevertheless on schedule.
We met our French friends from Dourdan at the top of the 100 metre white cliffs of Le Tréport, on the Normandy coast, in a stiff breeze and light rain which got heavier. After descending via the funiculaire (free) we explored the old town – interesting houses in the Cordiers (line fishermen) district, many of these homes with Christian names or names of birds or plants, an impressive church, a busy fish market and a complex harbour with different locks allowing large vessels to berth separately from lifeboats, fishing boats and yachts. (The less hardy amongst us found refuge in one of the many seafront restaurants and cafes, for tea or something stronger, until the rain abated.)
En route to our hotels the coach detoured to the far side of the harbour, showing us prestigious homes (again with interesting names) built in the nearby seaside village of Mers-les-Bains towards the end of the 19th century when the Paris railway arrived. Le Tréport was the location of a major military hospital during WWI, and we passed two Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries, the second established when the first became full.
On arrival at our nearby hotels in Criel-sur-Mer we were able to relax before an excellent dinner. A Normandy (cider-based) cocktail was followed by an impressive seafood platter (good practice for our forthcoming Fish and Seafood Supper) and a main course featuring 3 types of fish. Tasty cheeses preceded a white chocolate dessert. Our hosts generously provided the wine.
After an excellent buffet breakfast (large selection – hot and cold) we boarded the coach to visit Eu – not the multi-country organisation we are soon leaving but a delightful town with an impressive riverside chateau dating from the 16th century. This became the summer residence of Louis-Philippe, King of the French. The monarchy had been resurrected after Emperor Napoleon 1st, and Louis-Philippe became king in 1830 but was eventually driven out in 1848, settling in Surrey for his final years.
Queen Victoria visited him twice at Eu, in 1843 and 1845, and her apartments are kept as then. There are many interesting exhibits in the furnished chateau including numerous paintings, unusual stained glass and beautiful locally-made parquet floors, plus an extraordinary hand-powered lift dating from circa 1900.
It was back to the hotel for an excellent lunch of skate paté followed by guinea-fowl. Then it was time for the usual extended farewells and exchange of presents, both reflecting the close bonds between Dunmow and Dourdan. Then onto the coach and back to the Channel – this time the crossing was mill-pond calm, with a beautiful, fiery sunset. We reached Dunmow at 9.30pm, tired but happy, after a very enjoyable weekend. Our thanks to the organizers, both French and English.
Our next event is the Fish and Seafood Supper on Saturday 28th October. Contact Marian Steven for tickets.
