Dieppe Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with our comprehensive guide to Dieppe, France.


Introduction to Dieppe

Dieppe, located in the Upper Normandy region of France, is a picturesque seaside town famous for its stunning chalky cliffs, beautiful beaches, colorful fishing boats, and rich maritime heritage.

Aside from its scenic beauty, Dieppe offers a myriad of attractions and activities to keep visitors entertained. This comprehensive guide to Dieppe will help you navigate through the town’s various highlights, ranging from the must-visit cultural and natural attractions to hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local customs, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Dieppe

The following are some of the top places to visit in Dieppe:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Château de Dieppe: The castle, located on a hilltop overlooking the town, now houses a maritime museum that tells the story of Dieppe’s seafaring past.
  • Musée de Dieppe: The museum, housed in an 18th-century building, showcases exhibits on art, local history, and archaeology.
  • Église Saint-Jacques: This 15th-century church features an impressive Gothic façade and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Dieppe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dieppe Beach: One of the town’s top attractions, the beach is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
  • Falaises d’Aval: These stunning, white-chalk cliffs offer breathtaking views of the English Channel, and are a perfect place for a scenic hike or bike ride.
  • Bois des Moutiers: This woodland park, located just outside the town, features beautiful gardens and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dieppe

Dieppe is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery that is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Here are some of the top routes to try:

  • Sentier du Littoral: This coastal trail spans 22 kilometers from Dieppe to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel and the Norman countryside.
  • Le Véloroute du Lin: This 20-kilometer bike trail connects Dieppe to the charming town of Eu, passing through some of Normandy’s most picturesque landscapes.
  • Sentier des Coteaux: This 10-kilometer hiking trail takes you through the wooded hillsides around Dieppe, offering spectacular views of the town and the sea.

Best Things to Do in Dieppe: Activities and Tours

Dieppe offers visitors a wide range of activities, ranging from watersports to cultural events. Here are some of the best things to do in the town:

  • Watersports: Dieppe’s long, sandy beach is the perfect place to try your hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Markets: Dieppe’s daily fish market is a must-visit for foodies, while the town’s weekly market is a great place to pick up local produce and artisanal crafts.
  • Festivals: Dieppe hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the International Kite Festival, the Sea Festival, and the Herring Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dieppe

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Dieppe, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Explore the town center, including the castle, the church, and the museum. Visit the daily fish market and sample some of the local seafood.

Day 2: Spend the day at the beach, trying out some of the water sports on offer, or simply soaking up the sun. In the evening, catch a show at the Scène Nationale Charles Dullin theater.

Day 3: Take a hike along the Falaises d’Aval, stopping at the picturesque village of Puys for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the Bois des Moutiers.

Day 4: Rent a bike and explore the countryside around Dieppe on the Véloroute du Lin. Stop off at the chateaux at Arques-la-Bataille and Eu.

Day 5: Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Saint-Valery-en-Caux, about 45 minutes away by car. Explore the town’s art galleries and museums, take a boat trip along the coast, and sample some of the local cheese and cider.

Day 6: Visit the local orchards and sample some of Normandy’s famous apple brandy on a guided tour. In the evening, catch a film at the Cinéma Rex.

Day 7: Take a self-guided walking tour of Dieppe’s historic district, stopping off at some of the town’s best artisanal shops and galleries. Sample some of the local cheese and wine along the way.

Food and Drink Scene of Dieppe

Dieppe is known for its fresh seafood, cheeses, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Here’s what not to miss:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moules Marinières: The classic French dish of steamed mussels in white wine, garlic and herbs.
  • Saumon à l’oseille: Grilled salmon fillet with sorrel sauce.
  • Fruits de mer: A seafood platter with oysters, shrimp, crab, and other local delicacies.

Local Beverages

  • Cider: Normandy is famous for its apple cider, which comes in sweet or dry varieties.
  • Calvados: Another famous Norman drink is apple brandy, also known as calvados.
  • Armagnac: A French brandy from the Gascony region, south of Bordeaux.

Where to Stay in Dieppe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dieppe has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some top picks:

  • Hôtel de la Plage: A charming, family-run hotel located just steps away from the beach.
  • Grand Hôtel du Casino de Dieppe: A grand hotel featuring a casino and spa, with spectacular views of the sea.
  • Auberge du Vieux Puits: A cozy bed and breakfast located in the town center, with friendly hosts and a delicious homemade breakfast.

What to Buy in Dieppe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Dieppe is famous for its artisanal products, such as cheese, cider, and handcrafted pottery. Here are some of the top souvenirs to bring back home:

  • Bernard Pottery: This local pottery studio offers beautiful, handcrafted ceramics in a wide range of styles and colors.
  • Neufchâtel cheese: A delicious soft cheese from the nearby town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray, often shaped like a heart.
  • Calvados: Bring back a bottle of this famous Norman apple brandy.

Local Culture and Customs of Dieppe

Dieppe, like the rest of France, has a rich cultural heritage and a few customs and traditions that visitors should be aware of. Here are some to keep in mind:

  • Mealtimes: Like most of France, lunch is the main meal of the day in Dieppe, with restaurants and shops often closed or quiet in the afternoon.
  • Bonjour and Merci: It’s good manners to greet locals with a friendly “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir,” and to say “Merci” when receiving goods or services.
  • La Marseillaise: The French national anthem is an important part of national pride and is often played at public events and ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit Dieppe

The best time to visit Dieppe is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches and outdoor spaces are in full bloom. The town is also a popular destination during the International Kite Festival in September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dieppe

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Dieppe:

Do:

  • Try the seafood: Dieppe is famous for its fresh seafood, so be sure to sample some.
  • Explore the countryside: Dieppe’s surrounding countryside is beautiful, so rent a bike or hike along one of the many trails.
  • Learn some French: Even a few basic phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” can go a long way in making new friends and being polite.

Don’t:

  • Forget sunscreen: The sun can be strong in the summertime, so be sure to protect your skin.
  • Speak too loudly: French culture places a premium on politeness, so be mindful of your volume.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dieppe

Dieppe is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should still take common-sense precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and staying aware of their surroundings while out and about.

Health in Dieppe

France has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors are required to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.

Getting to Dieppe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Dieppe is easily accessible by plane, train, or car. Here are some of the best options:

Airports Near Dieppe

The nearest airport to Dieppe is Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport, about a two-hour drive away.

Bus Stations Near Dieppe

There are several bus companies that operate in the Normandy region, with frequent services to and from Dieppe.

Other Options

Driving to Dieppe is also an option, as the town is located just off the A29 motorway, which connects to the rest of France and beyond.

How to Get Around in Dieppe

Dieppe is a compact town that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Taxis and buses are also available for longer trips outside of town.

Where to Go Next from Dieppe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time, there are plenty of other beautiful towns and cities to explore in the Normandy region, including:

  • Rouen: The historic capital of Normandy, Rouen is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral and beautiful half-timbered buildings.
  • Le Havre: This port city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of France’s best modernist architecture, including buildings by Auguste Perret and Oscar Niemeyer.
  • Giverny: The picturesque town of Giverny is famous for its association with the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, who lived and worked here for many years.

Conclusion

Dieppe is a beautiful town that offers visitors a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, as well as a vibrant food and drink scene and easy access to the rest of the Normandy region. Whether you’re interested in history, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, there’s something for everyone in this charming seaside town.