Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K - bfenthusiasts

Jim · 13th Jun 04, 19:22

Welcome to the thread with all... words by Jim, pictures by Phil, Beer by Heineken.

After some pretty last minute arrangements made Thursday night we were booked to travel out on Friday's 2300 sailing of Pont Aven, returning on Saturday's 1530 sailing on the Duc De Normandie from Roscoff.

At 1400 friday Phil left home in London having elected to travel the 200 plus miles to Plymouth by train, something I think he won't be doing again in a hurry since the total trip took more than 5 hours!

Me however, decided that since Plymouth was 'only' about 100 miles from home in my native Somerset that I'd have a bash at driving down, also bearing in mind that it should only take me about 2 hours to do the same distance Phil would take 3 or so to cover. About half an hour into the trip it transpired that Phil was passing through a station near to my house. I was stuck in a traffic jam on the A30 somewhere near Exeter,

After much hooting of the horn at examples of deplorable driving, such as the large number of idiots out there who seem to think the national speed limit is 36mph, I finally arrived at Plymouth Ferry Port at 18.15 and after a quick look around drove off in search of the station where Phil was to arrive at 1920. In search of beer and food we parked the car at the Ferry Terminal and headed off to the Walkabout bar, since it's Jim's mission to visit everyone of these he comes across and to drink several fine Australian beverages that aren't called Fosters or XXXX. Apres a few of these and a Kangaroo burger we headed back to the ferry terminal to check in as foot passengers, although a little early the Pont Aven was in berth, and we found ourselves on the terminal's terrace having a series of beverages. After what seemed like endless hours and endless gin and tonics we were called to board, and like a couple of excited school boys we climbed onboard and walked straight into the well-hyped but perhaps smaller than expected artium which extends from deck 6 upwards. For those who have been on the Mont St Michel, the signage onboard the Pont is the same style, only lit with yellow rather than blue. Our cabin 6466 was an inside 2 berth located at the stern of the ship, although we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves despite being in the middle corridor of cabins right next to a door out onto the stern deck. The cabin seemed well designed, with the top bunk folding into the roof. After dumping off the bags we headed straight to the bar (would have been rude not to really), which in our case we accessed after walking through the very well designed and impressive pool bar, however, when we entered the main bar our jaws dropped. Not due to the sight of endless beer pumps, but the spectacular setting of the bar itself on 2 levels in absolutely spectacular design.

We had a drink before heading to the Salon de The for a quick snack. The Salon is located right next to the self service restaurant which has to be one of the most impressive afloat, with it being more like a food court with various stands than your average walk through. Then it was back to the bar.

After saying a quick hi to DJ Mutley we settled down with beverages in hand, and witnessed the evenings entertainment which turned out to be a magic show. Perhaps the highlight of which was a confused and slightly drunk Jim being made to hold a metal ring (whilst still sat down and drinking) with the magician performing a variety of tricks that had Jim looking puzzled and confused. Oh, the stabbing the box containing his assistant wasn't too bad either...

A quick tour of the ship before bed was called for, we walked around the impressive and mostly wooden-decked outside decks, before managing to grab one last drink from Le Fastnet bar before heading for some sleep.

As we woke to the music being played into the cabin, which wasn't really to anyone's taste, we were surprised to venture out of the cabin and see daylight. Breakfast was called for and we decided to head for Le Flora restaurant for a large brekafast. As we were finishing the ship was berthing in Roscoff, and after some technical problems at the tills we headed downstairs just in time for the gangway to be lowered.

Although a short voyage, Pont certainly made a good impression with us as a very impressive, elegant and stylish ferry.

As we effortlessy passed through the Roscoff terminal it suddenly dawned on us that quite a bit of time needed to be wasted. With that we looked at the bus timetable at the terminal and found that we would be able to catch a bus to nearby Morlaix and a train back later on. In a bid to waste over an hour before the bus actually left, we decided to walk in search of the SNCF station, once there we chatted with a couple of blokes we had seen in Plymouth the night before, who had a return sailing booked from Santander, but weren't actually sure how they were going to get there - interesting considering they had no baggage, but in true style we managed to tell them to get on the bus, go to Morlaix and then get on the train to Paris. It was then quickly decided by myself and Phil we might just be better off going in search of coffee, which was found about five minutes walk away, and on the suggestion of the cafe's owner a couple of croissants were purchased too.

We headed back in time to catch the bus and after the 30 minute trip to Morlaix (where a fair few BF ships have been registered...) we descended down a rather steep hill into the picturesque town centre, located in the bottom of a valley with a large viaduct going overhead. After coffee we decided that we best head back for the 1053 train rather than the 1305, since if there were any problems we'd be able to get back. However, we also had to negotiate up rather a large hill, and with time to spare at the top we headed to the station bar before catching the train back to Roscoff. After time walking around the beautiful town of Roscoff, or Rosko as it's known in Breton, lunch was found in a pizzeria where the 2 staff were rushed off their feet seeing to the hoarde of Brits who had descended on them. The majority of whom were rude enough to be speaking to the staff in English. I'm sorry to rant on, but if you're going abroad, at least learn the basics if nothing else. Needless to say we ordered in French, and even heard the staff talking to another table and saying how nice it was when the British made an effort to speak the language.

Walking back to the ferry terminal we found that the return saling was at 1630 rather than the 1530 we had expected, also the fact that I succesfully managed to 'misplace' the ticket didn't really help, but we were able to get a replacement (in french...) without any hassle. We stood and watched the Duc De Normandie enter the port, and in true style the first car rolled off the ramp at precisely 1500 when she had been due. We made the decision that a cabin was required for the return journey, but with the crossing looking set to be busy we knew there would be a rush. As we raced up the gangway and navigated down the steep stairs, Phil was able to secure the last De Luxe cabin for the journey - although I am personally a little confused as to why they offer you tea/coffee when your cabin actually has a kettle (although saying that ours didn't actually have any mugs).

The Duc was busy, there's no doubting back, and whilst the contrast of going from the newest to oldest ship in the fleet was evident, it wasn't unpleasant having a taste of what may is one of the last 'old school' ships afloat on the western channel. After a walk on deck to see the ramp raised we returned to the cabin and slept in order to avoid the large number of people congregating in the main corridor outside. The mayhem died down after a few hours, with a lot of school parties being kept occupied by a quiz about football supplied by the information desk. Not much has changed on the Duc since I last travelled on her back in the mid 90s, but she is kept in excellent condition. Before we knew it were were on the stern having the last couple of drinks of the trip as many inside watched the football - perhaps it would have been a little more interesting 24 hours later as the England v France match was played

.

The shock of the trip came as we were packing up our cabin. Suddenly the door opened and a couple of complete strangers walked in, and apologised for bursting in, but they just wanted to have a look at the cabin. Having been a little stunned and silenced by their entry, they assumed we were french, and the lady in question began to talk in slightly dodgy French. Obviously we were keen to indluge this lady, so after a quick wink at Phil I gave her a tour of the cabin in french and using lots of overstated hand gestures. After thanking us in a slow and rather patronising voice, the lady left, and looked a little bemused a few minutes later when we left the cabin speaking English. Ah, bless

All too soon we were back in Plymouth and heading back to Somerset, another trip done, another report written.

Mental cakes.

The Bar

The Atrium from the top

The Promenade deck overlooking the bow

Self-Service with confused looking customer

Duc De Normandie

Morlaix

memorykarl · 13th Jun 04, 19:33

a very interesting report, why am i not surprised that mst of the pictures involve somewhere with beer!

Jim · 13th Jun 04, 19:46

or, er, coffee as the case was...

Matts · 13th Jun 04, 19:49

Very nice pics. Sounds like a good trip. I only wish Plymouth or Roscoff were a bit more accessible for me.

Normandie · 13th Jun 04, 19:50

Pont Aven is making a massive, great impression here !

Yann Ferries · 13th Jun 04, 22:10

Good report and splendid pics!

Speak you to it French Phil and Jim?
Because I come to have an idea to be subjected to you: if you learn English, I would teach you the French in exchange ;D

Phil K · 13th Jun 04, 22:17

Thanks to all about the comments on the photos. I'm not too happy with the internal ones, but I am reluctant to use a flash on board as I havent had much success before!

My only comments against the Pont is I thought she had a little too much Yellow, and the Neon Trays did not match the fittings and feel of the bar. However, those chairs in the bar are far more comfortable than they look!

Jim · 13th Jun 04, 22:17

[quote author=Yann Ferries link=board=2;threadid=876;start=0#msg10243 date=1087161023]
Good report and splendid pics!

Speak you to it French Phil and Jim?
Because I come to have an idea to be subjected to you: if you learn English, I would teach you the French in exchange ;D
[/quote]

Je parle français, vous n'avez pas besoin de m'enseigner. Est-ce que je puis vous enseigner l'anglais????!?!

Yann Ferries · 13th Jun 04, 22:28

Oui Jim, pour moi l'anglais est indispensable car je travaille dans un hôtel** à Paris en tant que Réceptionniste (mon niveau est assez faible).

Yes Jim, for me English is essential because I work in a hotel ** in Paris as a Receptionist (my level is rather low).

Jim · 13th Jun 04, 22:32

Why do you say that me and Phil should learn English? Are you trying to be funny?!?!

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13th Jun 04, 19:22	#1
Jim BFE Staff Join Date: September 03 Location: Over Here Posts: 5,326	Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Welcome to the thread with all... words by Jim, pictures by Phil, Beer by Heineken. After some pretty last minute arrangements made Thursday night we were booked to travel out on Friday's 2300 sailing of Pont Aven, returning on Saturday's 1530 sailing on the Duc De Normandie from Roscoff. At 1400 friday Phil left home in London having elected to travel the 200 plus miles to Plymouth by train, something I think he won't be doing again in a hurry since the total trip took more than 5 hours! Me however, decided that since Plymouth was 'only' about 100 miles from home in my native Somerset that I'd have a bash at driving down, also bearing in mind that it should only take me about 2 hours to do the same distance Phil would take 3 or so to cover. About half an hour into the trip it transpired that Phil was passing through a station near to my house. I was stuck in a traffic jam on the A30 somewhere near Exeter, After much hooting of the horn at examples of deplorable driving, such as the large number of idiots out there who seem to think the national speed limit is 36mph, I finally arrived at Plymouth Ferry Port at 18.15 and after a quick look around drove off in search of the station where Phil was to arrive at 1920. In search of beer and food we parked the car at the Ferry Terminal and headed off to the Walkabout bar, since it's Jim's mission to visit everyone of these he comes across and to drink several fine Australian beverages that aren't called Fosters or XXXX. Apres a few of these and a Kangaroo burger we headed back to the ferry terminal to check in as foot passengers, although a little early the Pont Aven was in berth, and we found ourselves on the terminal's terrace having a series of beverages. After what seemed like endless hours and endless gin and tonics we were called to board, and like a couple of excited school boys we climbed onboard and walked straight into the well-hyped but perhaps smaller than expected artium which extends from deck 6 upwards. For those who have been on the Mont St Michel, the signage onboard the Pont is the same style, only lit with yellow rather than blue. Our cabin 6466 was an inside 2 berth located at the stern of the ship, although we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves despite being in the middle corridor of cabins right next to a door out onto the stern deck. The cabin seemed well designed, with the top bunk folding into the roof. After dumping off the bags we headed straight to the bar (would have been rude not to really), which in our case we accessed after walking through the very well designed and impressive pool bar, however, when we entered the main bar our jaws dropped. Not due to the sight of endless beer pumps, but the spectacular setting of the bar itself on 2 levels in absolutely spectacular design. We had a drink before heading to the Salon de The for a quick snack. The Salon is located right next to the self service restaurant which has to be one of the most impressive afloat, with it being more like a food court with various stands than your average walk through. Then it was back to the bar. After saying a quick hi to DJ Mutley we settled down with beverages in hand, and witnessed the evenings entertainment which turned out to be a magic show. Perhaps the highlight of which was a confused and slightly drunk Jim being made to hold a metal ring (whilst still sat down and drinking) with the magician performing a variety of tricks that had Jim looking puzzled and confused. Oh, the stabbing the box containing his assistant wasn't too bad either... A quick tour of the ship before bed was called for, we walked around the impressive and mostly wooden-decked outside decks, before managing to grab one last drink from Le Fastnet bar before heading for some sleep. As we woke to the music being played into the cabin, which wasn't really to anyone's taste, we were surprised to venture out of the cabin and see daylight. Breakfast was called for and we decided to head for Le Flora restaurant for a large brekafast. As we were finishing the ship was berthing in Roscoff, and after some technical problems at the tills we headed downstairs just in time for the gangway to be lowered. Although a short voyage, Pont certainly made a good impression with us as a very impressive, elegant and stylish ferry. As we effortlessy passed through the Roscoff terminal it suddenly dawned on us that quite a bit of time needed to be wasted. With that we looked at the bus timetable at the terminal and found that we would be able to catch a bus to nearby Morlaix and a train back later on. In a bid to waste over an hour before the bus actually left, we decided to walk in search of the SNCF station, once there we chatted with a couple of blokes we had seen in Plymouth the night before, who had a return sailing booked from Santander, but weren't actually sure how they were going to get there - interesting considering they had no baggage, but in true style we managed to tell them to get on the bus, go to Morlaix and then get on the train to Paris. It was then quickly decided by myself and Phil we might just be better off going in search of coffee, which was found about five minutes walk away, and on the suggestion of the cafe's owner a couple of croissants were purchased too. We headed back in time to catch the bus and after the 30 minute trip to Morlaix (where a fair few BF ships have been registered...) we descended down a rather steep hill into the picturesque town centre, located in the bottom of a valley with a large viaduct going overhead. After coffee we decided that we best head back for the 1053 train rather than the 1305, since if there were any problems we'd be able to get back. However, we also had to negotiate up rather a large hill, and with time to spare at the top we headed to the station bar before catching the train back to Roscoff. After time walking around the beautiful town of Roscoff, or Rosko as it's known in Breton, lunch was found in a pizzeria where the 2 staff were rushed off their feet seeing to the hoarde of Brits who had descended on them. The majority of whom were rude enough to be speaking to the staff in English. I'm sorry to rant on, but if you're going abroad, at least learn the basics if nothing else. Needless to say we ordered in French, and even heard the staff talking to another table and saying how nice it was when the British made an effort to speak the language. Walking back to the ferry terminal we found that the return saling was at 1630 rather than the 1530 we had expected, also the fact that I succesfully managed to 'misplace' the ticket didn't really help, but we were able to get a replacement (in french...) without any hassle. We stood and watched the Duc De Normandie enter the port, and in true style the first car rolled off the ramp at precisely 1500 when she had been due. We made the decision that a cabin was required for the return journey, but with the crossing looking set to be busy we knew there would be a rush. As we raced up the gangway and navigated down the steep stairs, Phil was able to secure the last De Luxe cabin for the journey - although I am personally a little confused as to why they offer you tea/coffee when your cabin actually has a kettle (although saying that ours didn't actually have any mugs). The Duc was busy, there's no doubting back, and whilst the contrast of going from the newest to oldest ship in the fleet was evident, it wasn't unpleasant having a taste of what may is one of the last 'old school' ships afloat on the western channel. After a walk on deck to see the ramp raised we returned to the cabin and slept in order to avoid the large number of people congregating in the main corridor outside. The mayhem died down after a few hours, with a lot of school parties being kept occupied by a quiz about football supplied by the information desk. Not much has changed on the Duc since I last travelled on her back in the mid 90s, but she is kept in excellent condition. Before we knew it were were on the stern having the last couple of drinks of the trip as many inside watched the football - perhaps it would have been a little more interesting 24 hours later as the England v France match was played . The shock of the trip came as we were packing up our cabin. Suddenly the door opened and a couple of complete strangers walked in, and apologised for bursting in, but they just wanted to have a look at the cabin. Having been a little stunned and silenced by their entry, they assumed we were french, and the lady in question began to talk in slightly dodgy French. Obviously we were keen to indluge this lady, so after a quick wink at Phil I gave her a tour of the cabin in french and using lots of overstated hand gestures. After thanking us in a slow and rather patronising voice, the lady left, and looked a little bemused a few minutes later when we left the cabin speaking English. Ah, bless All too soon we were back in Plymouth and heading back to Somerset, another trip done, another report written. Mental cakes. The Bar The Atrium from the top The Promenade deck overlooking the bow Self-Service with confused looking customer Duc De Normandie Morlaix

13th Jun 04, 19:33	#2
memorykarl BFE Member Join Date: October 03 Location: Dartmouth, Devon Age: 22 Posts: 1,507	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K a very interesting report, why am i not surprised that mst of the pictures involve somewhere with beer!

13th Jun 04, 19:46	#3
Jim BFE Staff Join Date: September 03 Location: Over Here Posts: 5,326	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K or, er, coffee as the case was...

13th Jun 04, 19:49	#4
Matts BFE Member Join Date: August 03 Posts: 768	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Very nice pics. Sounds like a good trip. I only wish Plymouth or Roscoff were a bit more accessible for me.

13th Jun 04, 19:50	#5
Normandie BFE Member Join Date: August 03 Age: 37 Posts: 2,171	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Pont Aven is making a massive, great impression here !

13th Jun 04, 22:10	#6
Yann Ferries BFE Member Join Date: December 03 Location: Beside Paris, France Age: 29 Posts: 1,587	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Good report and splendid pics! Speak you to it French Phil and Jim? Because I come to have an idea to be subjected to you: if you learn English, I would teach you the French in exchange ;D

13th Jun 04, 22:17	#7
Phil K BFE Staff Join Date: August 03 Location: Ewell, Surrey Age: 28 Posts: 1,966	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Thanks to all about the comments on the photos. I'm not too happy with the internal ones, but I am reluctant to use a flash on board as I havent had much success before! My only comments against the Pont is I thought she had a little too much Yellow, and the Neon Trays did not match the fittings and feel of the bar. However, those chairs in the bar are far more comfortable than they look!

13th Jun 04, 22:17	#8
Jim BFE Staff Join Date: September 03 Location: Over Here Posts: 5,326	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K [quote author=Yann Ferries link=board=2;threadid=876;start=0#msg10243 date=1087161023] Good report and splendid pics! Speak you to it French Phil and Jim? Because I come to have an idea to be subjected to you: if you learn English, I would teach you the French in exchange ;D [/quote] Je parle français, vous n'avez pas besoin de m'enseigner. Est-ce que je puis vous enseigner l'anglais????!?!

13th Jun 04, 22:28	#9
Yann Ferries BFE Member Join Date: December 03 Location: Beside Paris, France Age: 29 Posts: 1,587	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Oui Jim, pour moi l'anglais est indispensable car je travaille dans un hôtel à Paris en tant que Réceptionniste (mon niveau est assez faible). Yes Jim, for me English is essential because I work in a hotel in Paris as a Receptionist (my level is rather low).

13th Jun 04, 22:32	#10
Jim BFE Staff Join Date: September 03 Location: Over Here Posts: 5,326	Re:Pont Aven, by Jim and Phil K Why do you say that me and Phil should learn English? Are you trying to be funny?!?!

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