Thursday 20 April 2023

DAY 3 - CAYEUX-SUR-MER to ST- VALÉRY-SUR-SOMME (Wednesday 19 April)

The third day of our walk was the shortest so far - 18 kilometres over mostly flat terrain. We started by walking through the attractive streetscape of Cayeux-sur-Mer. The village is known for its long esplanade, its beach huts, and its extensive pebble beach. 

Some of the highlights of Cayeux

Cayeux has a long boardwalk esplanade dotted with beachside huts. These ones looked a bit two-dimensional.

These ones look a bit more complete. 

From Cayeux we followed the GR120 alongside the coast to the Pointe du Hourdel,  where the River Somme empties into the English Channel. 

There were several other walkers on the GR120 between Cayeux and the Pointe du Hourdel. 

This German WWII bunker was just north of Cayeux. 

You could even wander inside for an amazing view looking out. 

View from the bunker
The GR120, just inland from the coastline

Following the GR120
Near the Pointe du Hourdel we saw some seals. 

Many others had also come to see the seals. Apparently it is a well-known colony. 

We also came across this guided group of bird watchers.

We were not alone when we arrived at the Pointe du Hourdel
Preparing the fruit course -Pointe du Hourdel
After a stop by the lighthouse to consume some healthy fruit, and for the artistically-inclined among us to try her hand at sketching, we continued on our way. The GR120 took us all the way into St- Valéry-sur-Somme, our destination for the night. This section of the path skirted a wetland habitat. We encountered numerous other walkers on this section of the route, along with several cyclists and the odd jogger.
Rest stop - Pointe du Hourdel

Artistic Interlude - Pointe du Hourdel
The GR 120 towards St-Valéry-sur-Somme - walkers, cyclists, and the odd jogger

In some of the ponds there were displays of artificial ducks. Apparently they're placed there to attract the migratory birds so they can be hunted. 

More artificial ducks. These ones seemed a bit less realistic. 

Walking towards St-Valéry-sur-Somme 

Entering St-Valéry-sur-Somme 

St-Valéry-Sur-Somme

St-Valéry-Sur-Somme

St-Valéry-Sur-Somme
St-Valéry-sur-Somme is a historic town with links to Joan of Arc and William the Conqueror. We hope to do some exploring tomorrow morning before resuming our walk. Today we just put our feet up, and treated ourselves to a three course meal in a restaurant near our b&b.
Day 3 - Birds. Apologies for putting a shelduck into our compilation again, but they are very attractive creatures. 
Day 3 - Healthy Fruit
Day 3 - Elevation Profile

Day 3 - Route
Day:  3
Distance: 18.09 km
Walking time:  4 hrs 15 mins
Elevation gain: 337 metres
Cumulative distance:  75.81 km

4 comments:

  1. Yum, Yum, had my fix for today, thank you.
    Lovely photos & health foods. My feet approve today’s distance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah yes, 18km is much more civilised than the 32km of our first day!

      Delete
  2. I agree with Victoria, yum yum, fix for today. Does that mean I walked 18km as well? Absolutely loving your blog, it has everything...healthy fruit, scenery, wildlife, wonderful humour as well as making me almost feel like I'm there with you. Can't wait for tomorrows blog!....love from the Howie's

    ReplyDelete
  3. We happy to walk the distance for everyone... as long as we get to eat for everyone too! So far nothing has disappointed. 😊

    ReplyDelete

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