We left Brighton campsite at about 7.45 am for a short drive along the coast, past Roedean school, to pick up the Newhaven – Dieppe ferry which left at 10 am.
Leaving Newhaven
Newhaven Lifeboat
The Church at Dieppe
Fout hours later we tied up at Dieppe after a calm and sunny crossing, enlivened by a ‘Grande petit-dejeuner Anglais’….or a full English breakfast. Not very petit but very tasty.
The Pont de Normandie, crossing the Seine.
We drove south , across the Pont de Normandie, and met up with our friends Keith and Jane at Bayeux.
We stopped at a Camping des Bords de l’Aure close to the centre of Bayeux and walked in to town through a park and along a river the next morning.
Jane and Nia
Half timbered house in Bayeux.
It was a rather wet day so we moved on quickly to see the tapestry..we got there about 9.15 and there was no queue to speak of but by 10 am there was a long queue…it must be heaving in high season.
The Bayeux Tapestry
The tapestry is amazing. Well preserved and well displayed it is mounted vertically at eye level and as you walk along the audio guide tells you the story as it is literally unfolded. The tapestry was sewn (in the UK) to commemorate the battle of Hastings in 1066, the last invasion of Britain, by William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy. It was returned to Bayeux because the Bishop of Bayeux at the time was William’s brother. The Bishop accompanied his brother into battle. Being a man of God he couldn’t carry a sword and draw blood so he used his mace…it was OK to batter the opposition over the head with a blunt instrument.
The commentary was lovely. At one point the horses boarding the invasion boats are noted to be smiling ‘because they were embarking in a just cause’.
Bayeux Cathedral
The rain was well set in by late morning so we returned to the site and headed towards Mont St Michel, our next stop.
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
I think I may have to stop following you as you give me itchy feet, make me jealous and want to come with you. Enjoy the trip, and as always, love reading about your travels! X
Thanks…one less dog this trip ( the third is now in the States) so i am sure we could fit you in.
Bonjour Peter and Nia – thank you for sending us your travel blog again. It is always great to be sharing your experiences, without having to leave our arm-chairs! It would be good to know where you are aiming for this time. Have you planned out your route – or do you play it by ear? Bon voyage, Sue and Noel
No significant plans….probably Bay of Roses in Spain at some stage, maybe Croatia. We try to drive in the opposite direcion to the rain.
Good to see you are happy to accept ridicule oops sorry I mean sensible comments.
The Bayeaux Tapestry looks really fascinating. While you were seeing it, we were looking at the Quaker Tapestry in Kendal, seventy plus panels covering 400 years of Quaker history, not quite such an impressive pedigree but very interesting nevertheless. I’m looking forward to following you on your travels once again. x
Hi Kate
Never knew there was a Kendal tapestry…..didn’t need to come so far south…..
Sunny today, thunderstorms forecast tomorrow here in Narbonne.
Good to see you out again, which way are you heading. We are currently in Durtal , having a 3 night stover after our long drive from Denmarl and Iceland. Then heading south chasing the sun. Colin and Gill
Hi Colin
We are currently at Narbonne, blog a little behind due to mifi problems, hope to be up to date soon.
We will probably move a little further east tomorrow.
Peter