Dieppe was the very first sea bathing destination in the country, back in the 19th century. Since then, the town has been one of Seine-Maritime's most renowned seaside resorts. It certainly has no shortage of attractions and advantages. With its cliffs, beach, old town, fishing harbour and marina, gastronomy, and cultural sites, your visit will be particularly rewarding.
For an initial overview of this beautiful place, head to the 14th-century fortified castle in the heights of the town. From the esplanade, there is a lovely view over the town's rooftops and the pebble beach! Inside, discover the museum with its remarkable collection of ivories carved right here in Dieppe between the 16th and 20th centuries, as well as an exhibition on the maritime history of the town including model ships, maps and navigational instruments, but also works of art such as 19th and 20th-century French paintings, 16th and 17th-century Dutch paintings, and prints by Georges Braque.
If you like old buildings, the Church of St. James and the Church of St. Remigius will also satisfy your curiosity. The former dates from 1195 and has a large 14th-century portal, a 15th-century belfry tower 42 metres high, and a 16th-century chevet. The latter was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and has a choir with magnificent woodwork. In the town centre, the picturesque Place du Puits Salé marks the place where sea water used to mix with the fresh water from the well when the tide was high.
If you want to know more about the coastline and Normandy's biodiversity, the Estran - Cité de la Mer sea museum will take you on a journey through various themes such as sea fishing, shipbuilding, navigation and marine life.
Dieppe is also a destination that will delight gourmets. At this major scallop fishing port, you can sample the famous seafood in all its forms. Known as the king of fish, herring is also one of the local specialities and even has its own festival in November.
If you want to see an amazing display, the International Kite Festival takes place there in September every two years, in even years. Enthusiasts from all over the world, a big parade, and brightly coloured kites, each one more beautiful than the one before it: all this has been the recipe for an unmissable event since 1980!
