Basse Copette is situated in the Bresle Valley, it is the gravels of the Bresle River that are removed for glass industry. About half an hour downstream of Basse Copette, the Bresle River flows into La Manche, or the English Channel, between the towns of Mers-les-Bains and Le Treport.
Le Phare du Treport
Le Treport was once a popular seaside destination for the French royal family during the reign of Louis-Philippe (1830s and 1840s) when the Palace at nearby Eu was the king’s summer residence. The Parisian bourgeoisie were soon to follow, and as the town became a popular destination a number of seaside villas were built (most of which were destroyed during World War II). Louis-Philippe was an ardent Anglophile and was on very good terms with Queen Victoria. Although the term “Entente Cordiale” usually refers to official agreements made between the English and the French in 1904, the term was first used in 1844 following Queen Victoria’s first state visit to Louis-Philippe’s palace in Eu in 1843. There is much in the area that marks the Queen’s visit, including the ‘Queen Victoria Bar’. The National Navy Museum in Paris has a painting by Louis Gabriel Eugène Isabey showing Queen Victoria’s royal yacht, HMY Victoria and Albert – a twin paddle steamer, docked in the port of Le Treport.
Friday fish market at Le Treport
Today there is little in evidence of any past royal heritage. Rather, visitors come to Le Treport for fresh fish and seafood. On Sundays the town is very busy, particularly during summer, as this is a must for anyone who enjoys seafood. Visitors to the town come from as far as Paris for Sunday lunch at one of the many restaurants. Where the bourgeoisie’s villas once stood is now a row of seafront restaurants. They vary in decor and price, as is to be expected, and although I have not tried each and every one, I have yet to have a bad meal. What you can be sure of is fresh fish – and most offer vegetarian and meat dishes for those who do not like fish.
The 'Halle aux Poissons' -
Le Treport is a well-known fishing port. And the signs of this can be seen all about the port, from the fishing fleet that go out to sea (if you are there at the right time), the lobster traps piled up on the dock-side, mounds of fishing nets, and of course the many vendors of fresh fish and seafood. Besides the substantial Halle aux Poissons, on Tuesdays and Fridays there are many vendors outside the halle selling fish. For those staying in the self catering cottage/gite at Basse Copette, instead of, or as well as, a meal in a restaurant, buy your fish and bring it back and cook it to your liking. A visit to Le Treport if included on my Gourmet Tour of Upper Normandy.
Le Treport funicular
Besides the fish markets and the great restaurants, Le Treport has a pebble beach, and even a casino if you fancy a holiday flutter. But by far the more popular attraction is the newly restored funicular. The funicular was re-installed in 2006 using nineteenth century track and tunnel. The short journey (about 10 minutes) takes you up on to the cliff-top, where there is a café and a cliff-top walk with stunning views over Le Treport and Mers-les-Bains. A walk along the cliff-top is the perfect post-lunch activity. The funicular operates throughout the year and is free of charge.
I think Le Treport is a charming little seaside fishing town, and one that I choose to visit with guests who are on a Gourmet break exploring the gastronomy of Upper Normandy. After a tour of the port, a coffee and patisserie in one of the cafés, we choose some fish and seafood and return to Basse Copette for a good meal. If, however, you do not like fish or seafood, Le Treport is probably not that interesting. But then there are so many other wonderful seaside towns along the Normandy coast to visit.