Welcome to Dieppe, a destination full of character set between cliffs and sea. The oldest of France's seaside resorts and the leading fishing port for scallops, Dieppe's authentic atmosphere and lively, two-kilometer-long waterfront are sure to please. With its historic heritage, local specialties such as the famous Marmite Dieppoise, seaside strolls and cultural discoveries, Dieppe has a thousand faces to offer. Planning a trip to the English Channel? Here are 11 must-sees to make the most of your stay in this timelessly charming port town.
1. Visit Dieppe by little train
Want to discover Dieppe effortlessly? Climb aboard the little tourist train for a 45-minute ride through this seaside resort and fishing port. Perhaps a little kitschy, but certainly charming and practical! Departing from the Quai Henri-IV, near the fountain and tourist office, the route takes you on a tour of the town's must-sees: the seafront with its breathtaking view of the cliffs, emblematic monuments, picturesque alleyways and districts steeped in history. An original and enjoyable way to get a good overview of the city, all in less than an hour.
2. Saint-Jacques, a superb Gothic church
Located in the heart of Dieppe, the church of Saint-Jacques impressed us with its architectural richness and fine ornamentation. Surrounded by colorful houses, it harmoniously blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. Take your time inside, as every nook and cranny conceals a multitude of sculpted details, including the famous statue of Saint-Jacques and his shells, emblematic of the pilgrimage. A truly magnificent church that you wouldn't expect to find in a small town like Dieppe. In fact, it inspired Victor Hugo and many other artists.
3. What to do in Dieppe Visit the August 19, 1942 memorial
On August 19, 1942, in the space of a dozen hours, almost 1,200 Allied soldiers, the majority of them Canadians, fell trying to liberate Dieppe. Of the 6,000 men who landed that day, very few survived to bear witness to the violence of this tragic episode. This memorial pays tribute to them by recounting, beach by beach, how the operation unfolded. Through models, period photographs and archive documents, it plunges visitors into the heart of that decisive day. A place of remembrance and gratitude to the men who fell for freedom.
Did you know? The route of the femeuse Avenue Verte London-Paris by bike passes through Dieppe!
4. Visit the Dieppe museum and enjoy the view over the town
Housed in a castle overlooking the town, this museum boasts a remarkable collection of carved ivories and recounts Dieppe's maritime history through paintings, models and old maps. Built after 1435 by Captain Desmarets to defend the town against the English during the Hundred Years' War, the château served in turn as the governor's headquarters and garrison, before becoming a museum in 1923. Today, it displays a rich and varied heritage: finely carved ivories, maps from Dieppe's prestigious school of cartography, ship models and paintings retracing Dieppe's maritime history, from the great expeditions of the 16th century to the liners of the 20th. From the heights of the château, the breathtaking view of the town and the cliffs adds to the charm of the visit.
Dieppe is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for a weekend getaway in France on a budget!
5. What to do in Dieppe Pass by the Porte de Tourelles
Visible from boulevard de Verdun and rue des Anciens-Combattants-d'Afrique-du-Nord, Porte des Tourelles is a precious vestige of Dieppe's 15th-century fortifications. Comprising two stone and flint turrets linked by a staircase, it is one of the few remaining elements of the town's ancient ramparts, along with the château and a section of wall near the former Tour aux Crabes. The Porte des Tourelles also had a singular history: it was used as a prison until 1825. A plaque on the south side reminds us that, in the 17th century, it was from here that the "filles du Roy" (King's daughters) left, the young women sent to Quebec by order of Louis XIV to found families and populate New France.
Good to know: The interior of the building is not open to the public. Today, it housesthe headquarters of the DieppeInternational Kite Festival Association, which has been held every two years since 1980.
6. What to do in Dieppe with your family Go to La Cité de la Mer
E.S.T.R.A.N. Cité de la Mer is much more than a museum: it's a center dedicated to maritime heritage, the coastal environment and public awareness. At the crossroads of an eco-museum, an environmental hub and a social integration center, l'Estran offers an immersive tour of Normandy's maritime world. The tour begins with the story of Anita Conti, the first female oceanographer, before moving on to the second floor, devoted to the evolution of shipbuilding. Models and reconstructions take visitors back in time from the drakkar to the modern trawler. On the bridge, visitors discover navigation instruments, from ancient sextants to today's onboard technologies. The top floor is dedicated to Haute-Normandie's fishing industry: techniques, resources, seafood processing... a perfect way to understand contemporary issues.
Good to know: For younger visitors, the Jardin des Mers, in association with the Station Nautique Dieppe Pays Normand, offers fun and educational activities : exploring the coastline at low tide, visiting the harbour, making knot books, making kites or small boats..
7. Visit Saint-Rémy church, a fine example of preserved heritage
Classified as a historic monument in 1910, Saint-Rémy church is a perfect example of the flamboyant Gothic style. Take time to observe its ambulatory, radiating chapels and axis chapel, dated 1545, in the tradition of great Norman churches such as Saint-Maclou and Rouen Cathedral. Recent restoration campaigns have restored the church's ironwork, organ, ashlar and, above all, its sumptuous 17th-century Baroque altarpiece depicting the circumcision of Christ - a remarkable liturgical work, gilded with no less than 16,000 gold leaf. A fine example of preserved heritage, a must-see.
8. What to do in Dieppe Take a themed tour of the town
Visit Service d'Animation du Patrimoine offers a rich program of guided tours all year round, designed to satisfy every curiosity. Whether themed, in town, at the museum or on the harbor, these tours invite you to explore the many facets of this city of Art and History, often much richer than you imagine. Accompanied by a guide or heritage professional, you'll plunge into Dieppe's history, big and small. You can follow in the footsteps of the Canadians, with whom the town has had close ties for almost 500 years, discover the secrets of the Pollet district and the life of the fishermen, enter hidden courtyards, or learn about the unusual world of Roland Shön and gyromancy.
From the castle-museum to the historic town center, via the waterfront and picturesque alleyways, our guides will take you to every nook and cranny of Dieppe, for informative strolls accessible to all (€3 to €5 per person - free for under 12s) and lasting between 1 and 2 hours.
9. Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours chapel: a unique place of meditation
Perched high above the town, in absolute peace and quiet, the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours chap el offers one of the finest panoramic views of Dieppe's waterfront and surrounding area. Originally built as a place of pilgrimage, in the early 20th century it became a shrine dedicated to the memory of sailors lost at sea off Dieppe. Its astonishing architecture blends Romanesque, Byzantine and Oriental influences, giving it a unique charm. Inside, the emotion is palpable : the many commemorative plaques pay tribute to these men swept away by the waves. It's hard not to push open the door of this listed chapel, one of the town's most emblematic monuments.
Read also: What to do and see in Normandy The 21 must-sees
10. Le port à sec, a former dry dock transformed into a dry port in the heart of Dieppe's harbor
In the heart of Dieppe harbor, the former dry dock, called radoub, built between 1892 and 1895, occupies part of the outer harbor canal. After remaining unused at the end of the 20th century, it has been given a new lease of life thanks to an innovative project combining preservation of maritime heritage and development of the nautical industry. Transformed into a dry port since 2015, this unique facility can accommodate up to 292 boats, stored on racks spread over four levels on nearly 125 meters of quay.A must-see for sea and heritage enthusiasts!
Read more: Dieppe, a walk in the fresh air in a charming fishing port
11. What to do in Dieppe? Taste the famous Dieppe Marmite
It's impossible to visit Dieppe without savoring its emblematic culinary specialty: Marmite dieppoise. This traditional dish, rich in marine flavors, combines fresh seafood, fish and vegetables slowly simmered in a creamy white wine and spice sauce. A legacy of the town's long maritime history, it's an absolute must-taste. In Dieppe, the Marmite dieppoise is king, but local gastronomy doesn't stop there! Here are a few other specialties not to be missed:
- Freshscallops, of course, as Dieppe is the leading fishing port for this mollusc in France. They are often served simply pan-fried, in carpaccio or au gratin.
- Fresh fish of the day, caught locally, such as sea bass, turbot or sole, prepared traditionally or in modern recipes.
- Knife of the sea, a shellfish emblematic of the Normandy coast, to be enjoyed on its own, in a salad or in a sauce.
- Teurgoule, a typical Norman dessert: rice pudding flavored with cinnamon, often served at the end of a meal for a sweet treat.
Where to stay in Dieppe?
Whether you're looking for a hotel with a sea view, an intimate guest house or a spacious gîte, Dieppe hasa variety of accommodation to suit your needs. Don't hesitate to book in advance, especially during tourist periods. Here are our recommendations:
- Best located: Hotel Aguado
Bookable here, the Hotel Aguado, with its slightly retro facade, boastsan exceptional seafront location. The welcome is warm and smiling, and the staff go out of their way to ensure your satisfaction. The rooms, overlooking the city or the sea, are refined and spacious.
- The best view: Hotel de l'Europe
Bookable here, the Hotel de l'Europe is one of the city's finest establishments. In addition to its comfort, the hotel's main asset is its panoramic view . The rooms are spacious, bright and well-equipped, with sober yet warm decor. They all have a sea view, with large windows in the case of the panoramic rooms on the fifth floor.
- The safe bet: Hotel Le Windsor
Bookable here, Hotel Le Windsor boasts a stunning panoramic view, just a few steps from the town center. Rooms are bright and modern, and offer every comfort. We loved the restaurant, where we feasted on delicious seafood platters and fish straight from the fish market.
What are the most beautiful villages to visit around Dieppe?
There are several charming villages around Dieppe that are well worth a visit for their authenticity, history and beauty:
- Veules-les-Roses: Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is famous for being the smallest river in France and for its pretty seaside houses, water mills and flower-filled alleyways. A true Norman postcard.
- Saint-Valery-en-Caux: This charming port village offers a pretty fishing port, a seafront promenade and a friendly atmosphere typical of the Côte d'Albâtre.
- Arques-la-Bataille: Just a few kilometers from Dieppe, this village is famous for its impressive, perfectly preserved medieval castle overlooking the valley.
- Le Tréport: Larger than the others, this village combines cliffs, beach and fishing port, with a lively town center and a funicular railway offering panoramic views.
- Quiberville: A quiet seaside resort with a long pebble beach and unspoilt natural surroundings, perfect for a nature getaway.
