Bethune

Travelled :59km
Visited:Bethune
Stay : Seclin- free parking , no services N50.5520 E3.01258

We listened to the excitement of the Euro 16 final until the final siren blew and all was silent as the french supporters made their way home after their defeat. We used the free service point before heading out to Bethune. A town full of history since 502 with a barony, a castle,  Flemish conflict, fortifications, Vauban, Dutch occupation, a major port for coal transportation and then 90% destroyed in WWI. It was market day so always tricky to find parking. After being warned not to park near the police station along a yellow line, we found a spot down the next road. We were hoping for a genuine country market  but it just offered the generic items. A pity. So we concentrated on what the town had to offer. St Vaast church has an impressive square spire and a new 2001 organ, made up of 15  tonnes of parts and 3.306 pipes.  The Belfry, restored after WWI,  still rings it's vibes every quarter hour. The buildings surrounding the square offer some varied architecture.  We then enjoyed a nice lunch.  We then went to find out about fixing the windscreen and found out that we didn't need to pay an excess. We organised to get it fixed with carglass, only to find out later that my insurance company did not recommend them. So do we now change or stick with them? Nothing is straight forward!  We then did some shopping at Leroy Merlin for a new electric socket and then food shopping. We finally made it to our spot for tonight and chatted to our neighbour enjoying a drink and some nibbles before settling down for the night.