 Dartmouth
has to be one of the most picturesque towns
in South Devon. Situated at the mouth of the
River Dart, (which originates in the Dartmoor
National Park), this is a town that's popular
with the residents and tourists alike.
Dartmouth has a rich maritime history. It
was a port-of-call for the Pilgrim Fathers
(the ships Mayflower and Speedwell) before
they set sail for what was to become the United
States of America. Their visit is commemorated
with a plaque in the historic Bayard's Cove.
The cobble stoned cove also featured as a
location for the filming of the 1970s series,
The Onedin Line. Complimenting the port, the
mouth of the Dart is graced by two impressive
Castles. Dartmouth Castle, built in 1481,
featured many state-of-the-art 15th centuary
defences and in times of war, a protective
chain was strung across the mouth of the Dart
to Kingswear Castle on the opposite bank of
the river to offer protection against hostile
vessels. Dartmouth is also home to the impressive
Britannia Royal Naval College. One of the
Royal Navy's officer training schools.
A thorough exploration of Dartmouth's narrow
streets reveals a stunning array of bistros,
restaurants and places of historical interest
and it's proximity to some of the best beaches
in the locality helps make it one of the more
popular towns in South Devon. |
Courseulles
is a superb pleasure and fishing port with
dunes and long very pleasant beaches, ideal
for long walks. One can find in Courseulles
a"House of the Sea", marine museum
with an immense 100 000 liters aquarium complete
with tunnel for better appreciation of the
fish and the marine species of the English
Channel.
Dartmouth Regatta 2003 took place this year at the end of August as usual.On this occasion two French couples were hosted by a Dartmouth twinning association family.On arrival the were able to see the Red Arrows perform from a vantage point on Jawbones hill the UK version of France's Patrouille. The next three days they were to see sailing and rowing on the river and the many varied attractions like a Harrier jump jet and helicopter displays. Some of the more English type events included bungee launching inthe fair, the super market trolley grand prix, the Kon-Tiki raft race, a childrens crab fishing contest and many more.
The return on a calm sea to France on the "Mont Saint Michel" was a time for these four people to remember all the good times.