St Valéry-en-Caux tends to get by-passed by yachtsmen cruising the Normandy coast as it’s halfway between two deep-water ports, Dieppe and Fécamp. This is a pity because the town, though largely rebuilt after WWII devastation, is not unattractive and the marina in the Bassin à Flot is spacious and quiet.

There are no dangers in the offing but the entrance channel dries up to 2.5m so do not try to enter before half tide. Once inside the breakwater, keep to the left of the channel close to the red posts to avoid the shingle bank on the right. If you arrive before the lock is open there are waiting buoys where you can tie up. In season, from 1 May to 30 September, the lock opens HW ±2 1/2 between 0500 and 2400 and at night HW±1/2, while in winter it is HW±2 1/4 between 0700 and 1900. The bridge inside the lock opens half hourly by day or on demand by night. Short-term visitors’ berths are to starboard as you come through the lock.

That, at least, is the theory. When we were last there, admittedly some time ago, the lock remained firmly closed at the time we planned to leave, marooning us in the town for a further 24 hours. But there are worse places. Get your appetite up by wandering round the town and then repair to the Restaurant du Port (quai d’Amont, T 02 35 97 08 93) for admirable seafood.

© 2008 Yachtpilot