Ho, ho, off we go!

The best thing about being in France over the festive period is the drive back to the U.K to spend Christmas with family and to catch-up with friends.   We were slightly apprehensive this year due to the disruption on the French roads caused by the protesting "gilets jaunes" (named so because of the fluorescent high-visibility vests that are worn).   What started as a sporadic tax revolt against what was seen as an unfair eco-tax on fuel has grown into an anti-government movement against what the French see as the pro-business Macron giving tax breaks to the rich and making life harder for the working poor.  Almost two months in and the protests and road barricades at roundabouts and toll-booths across France continue.   However, this situation did not deter us from making the trip and so on a mild December morning we set off in the direction of Dieppe.

"Gilets Jaunes" camping out overnight on a roundabout

Shopping trolleys, pallets, tyres; anything that can cause a blockade in order to prevent trucks from passing to and from the Port

We drove up the day prior to our ferry crossing just in case we should encounter any disruption and delays on the road.  After a trouble-free journey we booked into a hotel for the night and then had the entire next day free to spend in Dieppe - a city we had not visited until then due to the usual rush to get to the ferry for the crossing.

Fabulously fresh Coquilles St-Jacques en route to the market and restaurants

Dieppe

The stunning St James cathedral, a stop-off point for pilgrims on their way to Compostela, was built from the 12th to the 16th century.

Dieppe

The city even has its own German restaurant & pub

We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Dieppe, so much so that we again may plan an overnight trip when we next head to the U.K. in order to further explore this beautiful city.