We hear the owner arrive and open his shop as we are getting up. Ali buys some pate then we set off to follow part of the Seine. But first we need shopping so stop in Intermarche in Isneauville.
The road near Rouen drops steeply into the northern suburbs then after a few busy junctions we are on the riverbank at Canteleu, heading south through the industrial areas but soon it becomes less and less industrial approaching Val de la Haye. Here the main street is lined with highly decorated houses looking like mini-chateaux, trying to appear more grandiose than they really are. The road follows the meandering curves of the river, known as ‘boucles’.
Soon the road moves away from the river into pretty countryside, with the occasional large manor or château. At St Martin de Boscherville we pass the large church dedicated to the Templars. We pick up the river again at La Fontaine, driving beside chalky white cliffs. Some of the dwellings have carved garages into the rock face while other appear to be built beneath perilous overhangs.
With time getting on we decide not to go to Jumieges abbey today. Instead we continue to Pont de Brotonne, cross the huge suspension bridge and head down to Heurteauville and the France Passion we used at the beginning of our Christmas 2015 trip. Today in bright sunshine we find it easily, unlike wandering around in the dark last time.
We are parked right beside the river with Jumienges Abbey directly across the water. Ali has an idea for tomorrow; she checks with the owner, who confirms we can stay two nights so we can use the ferry to the visit the abbey on foot tomorrow without driving all the way around.
Periodically through the afternoon and evening a variety of ships rumbles by, rivercruisers, barges, large suction dredgers, container ships and bulk carriers. While Ali is on the roadside photographing a ship, a local cyclist stops to talk and says he knows Penzance well.
Roast lamb for dinner and an early night.