This coastal town in Normandy is known for its fresh seafood markets, 15th-century castle and pebble beaches. Local fishermen still bring their daily catch to the harbor.
Dieppe, a coastal town in Normandy, sits between white chalk cliffs at the mouth of the Arques River. From the 15th-century castle, you can see the entire town spread below, including its pebbled beach where fishing boats dock daily. Walk through the Grande Rue on Saturdays to experience one of France's largest markets, visit two Gothic churches with intricate stone carvings, or take a boat trip to see the dramatic coastline up close. The town is known for its fresh scallops, served in restaurants around the harbor, and its museum collection includes works by Pissarro and Braque.
Getting to Dieppe
You can reach Dieppe by train from Paris Saint-Lazare station in 2 hours and 20 minutes. The DFDS ferry service connects the town with Newhaven, England, through a 4-hour journey across the English Channel. You'll find the ferry terminal within walking distance of the town center, and the train station has direct connections to Rouen.
The Castle Museum
The Château de Dieppe, built in 1435, sits on a hilltop above the town and harbor. Inside, you'll find detailed ship models showing Dieppe's maritime development, paintings by Impressionist artists including Pissarro and Braque, and a collection of ivory carvings that tell the story of the town's trading past.
Markets and Local Food
The Saturday market runs for over a mile through Grande Rue and nearby streets, making it the second-largest market in France. You can buy fresh fish and scallops directly from local fishermen, sample Norman cheeses, and browse stalls selling local produce. In November, the Herring and Scallop Festival fills the streets with food stalls where you can watch chefs prepare regional specialties.
Beach and Seafront Activities
A 1.5-kilometer pebbled beach stretches along the town, with a 19th-century promenade running its length. You can swim at Les Bains de Dieppe's indoor and outdoor pools or use their wellness center. Take a boat trip with Navigation Normande to see the chalk cliffs up close. Every two years, hundreds of kites fill the sky during the International Kite Festival on the beach's grass lawns.
Architecture and Streets
The Gothic churches of Saint-Jacques and Saint-Remi contain elaborate stone carvings and stained glass windows. Watch the Pont Colbert, Europe's last working metal swing bridge, turn to let boats pass. In Le Pollet quarter, walk through narrow streets lined with 18th-century houses and see the gobes - cave dwellings carved into the cliffs where fishermen once lived.
World War II Sites
Learn about Operation Jubilee at the Memorial du 19 Aout 1942 Museum, which tells the story of the 1942 Canadian and Allied raid through personal accounts and original objects. Visit the Canadian Military Cemetery and the Square du Canada memorial to understand the connection between Dieppe and Canada.
