We decided to travel down the Seine as far as Caudebec-en-Caux to delay our visit to Etretat, as rain had been forecast for the following day. It turned out to be a quiet ride as it was a Sunday and also the end of the school holidays. There was a cycle route straight to Harfleur, where we nearly lost out passports, iPad and all, as Julie left her backpack by a bench whilst taking some photographs. We only realised the bag was missing when we were at the boulanger, but fortunately the bag was there when we rode back. The route continued along quiet roads and through a large industrial complex that was like a ghost town. The roads were wide and smooth and we had a great ride, thankful that it was not a weekday. We joined the green route for the last section to Caudebec and did not pass anyone at all. it was an incredibly flat, easy and quiet day's cycling and we only got wet for a short while. We took the opportunity to eat our lunch whilst sheltering under some trees.
We chose Caudebec-en-Caux as was a reasonable distance to travel and seemed to be the most interesting place in the area. It was also close to Jumieges and we planned to visit the abbey the following day. The town caters for river cruise barges on the Seine and has a long jetty to cope with their extreme length. It seems to have brought some money into the town and the river front is like a beach promenade. The round trip to Jumieges Abbey was well worth it. It has been described as France's most beautiful ruin and must have been very impressive when intact. Two thirds of it was destroyed after the revolution and they used the place as a stone quarry!
Harfleur
Old machinery by the Seine cycle path
The Templars house in Caudebec-en-Caux
Jumieges Abbey
I saw these glasses in the shop and thought they were modern. They are actually copies of 18th Century designs!
There was also some art on show
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Location:Avenue Foch,Saint-Valery-en-Caux,France
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