When most people think of visiting Normandy, they think of D-Day beaches and Mont Saint-Michel. But there’s a lot more to this part of France, and it’s worth discovering the less obvious destinations. I’ve partnered with Normandy Tourism to share more about the region, so if you’re curious, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to Dieppe, France.
Dieppe, France
Known for its harbor and chalk cliffs, Dieppe is a gem on the Normandy coast. France’s first seaside resort, Parisians took to visiting this town in the 19th century, with the first purpose-built ‘etablissement des bains’ established in 1822.
Dieppe was also a favorite with the Impressionists and other artists. The town’s landscapes and light attracted famous names like Turner, Delacroix, Morisot, Pissarro, and Renoir.
The town continues to draw French and overseas visitors today. With a wide beach, medieval castle, and great markets, it has a lot to get excited about.
There’s even an annual herring festival in November that’s worth a special trip. It’s one of the best seafood festivals in Normandy.
Visiting Dieppe, France
I’m traveling here for a day and a half to see the sights and experience as much of Dieppe as possible. After great trips to Caen, Rouen, and Le Havre, I’m exited to discover another part of Normandy.
How to Get to Dieppe
I’m also excited about how easy it is to get here. DFDS Seaways runs ferries from England’s Newhaven to Dieppe.
There are train connections from London to Newhaven, and the Newhaven Town railway station is a quick walk to the ferry. That means it’s as easy to travel to Normandy as a foot passenger as it is a car passenger.
The 4-hour crossing offers scenic views across the English Channel, and there’s food and entertainment on board as well.
Where to Stay in Dieppe
Once in Normandy, I head to my hotel to drop off my bags before a busy day of sightseeing. I’m staying at the Grand Hotel du Casino de Dieppe, which is right on the waterfront.
My room has panoramic views of the English Channel, and it’s also one of the biggest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in in a long time.
The decor is seaside modern with aqua and gray accents, and a sweet little teddy bear greets me when I arrive.
Things to Do in Dieppe, France
Once settled, I head out to discover a range of things to do in Dieppe. I start with a walking tour to explore the town’s streets and learn about its history.
The Castle
My guide, Bertrand, takes me to the castle to get my bearings. The Chateau de Dieppe sits on a hill above the beach and has great views of the rooftops and waterfront.
The castle itself is a museum, and inside we discover everything from paintings by Pissarro, Braque, and Sickert to important collections of historic ivory (controversial but beautiful) and ship models.
The Town
After visiting the castle, we explore the town. The streets of Dieppe are full of historic buildings and hidden courtyards, some of which have shops and fountains tucked away inside.
Walking around Dieppe is like being on a treasure hunt, with every alley leading to a pleasant surprise.
We duck into the Church of Saint Remy, where the decor is stunning, and admire the facade of the Church of Saint Jacques.
We walk down Rue de la Barre, where the Cafe des Tribunaux dominates the scene. It’s been patronized by notables like Oscar Wilde throughout its lifetime, and is still popular today.
Once at the Ango Basin in Dieppe, we take in the waterfront cafes and explore the side streets before heading into Pollet. This neighborhood is full of stairways and street art, and it’s fun to explore.
Above it is the Notre Dame de Bonsecours chapel, a 19th-century beauty on a cliff. It’s full of memorials to those who perished at sea, and it’s a moving place to visit.
Memorial du 19 Aout 1942 Museum
Another moving place to visit is the Memorial du 19 Aout 1942 Museum in Dieppe.
Housed in a former theater, this World War II museum is dedicated to the memory of the Canadian and other Allied soldiers who perished in Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe raid on August 19th, 1942.
It’s full of documents, artifacts, and film footage relating to the failed operation, which influenced D-Day preparations two years later.
I walk through, taking in the photos and uniforms and watching the film to learn about this tragic part of Dieppe’s history.
Boat Tours in Dieppe
Later I take a boat trip in Dieppe along the Alabaster Coast with Navigation Normande. The ride takes me into the English Channel and along the chalk cliffs.
It’s an enjoyable way to get a feel for the larger area, and to see other coastal towns and villages in Normandy along the way.
Spa in Dieppe
After all the sightseeing, I relax at the spa. Les Bains de Dieppe is right on the beach, and has indoor and outdoor pools, workout facilities, hammams, and saunas.
I start with a Boue Marine du Mont St Michel treatment, in which a therapist covers me in mud from the land around Mont Saint-Michel. It eases muscle tension and joint pain, and makes my skin feel great afterwards.
Next I have a hydrojet massage. I lie on a soft mattress under which pulsating jets of hot water mobilize my muscles and joints for a deep relaxation. By the time I’m done, I feel like I’m floating.
Restaurants in Dieppe, France
When I’m not exploring Dieppe or getting pampered, I’m eating my way through town. From fresh seafood to local produce, this part of France is spoiled for good food.
I start with lunch at Le Trefle, a restaurant in my hotel. The dining room has cool blue decor and great views of the waterfront.
The catch of the day is delicious, if the vegetables are slightly overcooked. The chocolate dessert is divine, and sends me floating off on a French pastry high.
Later I have dinner at Les Vins en Scene, a wine bar in Dieppe. Set in a cellar-like atmosphere with brick arches, it has a great ambiance.
Wines from Burgundy, Corsica, and other parts of France go down a treat as I sample everything from shrimp to raspberries with mascarpone.
Another day I have lunch by the lido next to the beach in Dieppe.
L’O 2 Mer has friendly service and colorful food. My main course has so many pinks, purples, and oranges among the prawns that it’s almost too pretty to eat. But it’s worth tasting the rainbow, as the food is delicious.
Dieppe Saturday Market
And speaking of food, a highlight of my trip to Dieppe is the market. This Saturday morning special stretches over a mile and was recently voted the second best market in France.
I walk among the stalls, taking in everything from the scents of ripe cheese and fresh fish to the sights of flowers, strawberries, and apples. There are clothing stalls and cider stands, and I feel like I could find anything here.
Ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven
When my time in Dieppe comes to a close, I board the ferry to Newhaven for my journey home. The crossing goes smoothly and I arrive back in England on time.
I walk from the ferry to the train station, catch my train to London, and get home in time for a good night’s sleep. It’s hard to believe how seamless it is, and easy to want to do it all again soon.
Dieppe
I can’t wait to go back to Normandy and discover more of the region’s under-the-radar destinations. I hope the same is true for you.
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