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Motorhoming in Seine Maritime
Seine Maritime is the coastal department of the two departments which make up Haute Normandie. There is plenty to keep you in Seine Maritime when you are doing some motorhome travel in France, including the natural beauty of the region and also its historic past.
Between Le Havre on the western tip and Fécamp further north, is the coastal town of Etretat, famous for its white cliffs on what is known as the Alabaster Coast. Inspiration to French artists and writers alike, this natural wonder is spectacular and unforgettable at any time of the year. The little town has a lovely sandy beach from where, as you look to the left, you can see the enormous archway cut through the chalk, the Arch of Manneporte, and just next to it forming the point, l’Aiguille, or the needle, a pointed rock 70m high. On the summit of the cliffs to the right is the chapel dedicated to Notre Dame de la Garde in return for her protection of the sailors.
Another little seaside town much appreciated by the Parisians due to its proximity with the capital, is Tréport. In the past and still today a little fishing port, there are religious effigies everywhere, placed by the local sailors hoping for divine protection. Visit the rope-makers quarter which has remained true to the past, where the high, narrow, three or four story houses have been preserved. In the past the families lived in the basement for the summer so that they could hire out their home to holiday makers to boost the poor fisherman’s or rope-maker’s wages. Just next to Tréport is Mers les Bains with its beautiful beach front houses built during the ‘belle époque’ when seaside resorts became very popular in France.
Rouen is the capital of Haute Normandie and exists since Roman times. Its old quarters have held on to their past and despite the bombings and fires of the war years and the industry which has altered the landscape of the town, Rouen is still one of the most beautiful towns in France. Penetrate into the heart of the ‘town of a hundred bell towers’ to really appreciate its beauty. Amongst the half-timbered houses, winding narrow streets and animated squares is the Old Market Place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431. Also worth seeing is the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame and the 16th century Palais de Justice.
Amongst the specialities of the department is the ‘Marmite Dieppoise’. Best appreciated on the terrace of one of Dieppe’s restaurants, this is a dish which combines the freshly caught fish and shellfish of the Channel with the dairy products for which Normandy is famous.
One of the best known cheeses of Seine Maritime is the Neufchâtel, often made in the form of a heart. Legend has it that the peasants who made the cheese in this shape gave it to the English soldiers during the religious wars to show their love for them. Very much appreciated with a cool, traditional Normandy Cider.
If you need a place to park, try the free Aires de Service in Seine Maritime before going motorhoming in Eure, motorhoming in Basse Normandie, motorhoming in Centre, motorhoming in Picardie or motorhoming in Ile de France.
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