Fécamp is an attractive town which can be entered at most states of the tide, though you need to be wary around LW springs. It has the further significance for yachtsmen from the UK that it is the western most port on the French coast that be reached in an easy day’s sail from the south coast of England, apart from ports on the Cotentin peninsula like Cherbourg 80 miles away. In addition it makes a useful stepping stone for beguiling destinations in the eastern half of the Baie de Seine such as Honfleur, Deauville-Trouville and Dives-Cabourg.

There are no dangers in the offing so long as you avoid the shoals off the Pointe Fagnet to the east. Proceed through the entrance and the marina is in the Avant Port to starboard. There is a visitors’ pontoon marked by a “V”.

If storm-bound, try the fishing museum in the Musée des Terre-Neuvas or the Palais Bénédictine, origin of the eponymous liqueur. Or if becalmed there is a large beach. Restaurants include La Marée on the quayside by the marina (77 quai Bérigny, T 02 35 29 39 15) or Le Vicomté by the Benedictine monastery (4 r. Président R Coty, T 02 35 28 47 63).

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