Top 6 things to do in Dieppe

Head to the Côte d’Albâtre to discover the beautiful seaside town of Dieppe. The region has a somewhat eventful history, linked to its fishing and trading port. In the past, around 200 years ago, it was France’s leading seaside resort, with boats sailing all over the ocean. A little anecdote: in 2020, the town was ranked as the best market in France. You’ll find a whole host of vegetables, fruit and fresh produce, mainly from the sea. It’s also a particularly festive town: during the week, at the weekend, during the holidays, at any time of year, and even on Sundays, you can always find a few shops open, or a fun and cultural tourist attraction to do. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top activities not to be missed if you’re travelling to Dieppe.

What to do in Dieppe

1. The City of the Sea

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Every town, every region, has its own monument, its own square, its own museum. It’s the attraction that makes it what it is, and tells the story of its history, its past and its traditions. In Dieppe, the attraction in question would undoubtedly be the Cité de la Mer. A centre for scientific and technical culture, dedicated to the Dieppe coastline. Located in the rue de l’Asile Thomas and open every day from 9.30am to 6pm, come and learn a little more than you know about the world of fishing and the sea in general. Many scientists and researchers believe that the greatest treasures yet to be discovered on earth are to be found in the ocean. The maritime world is on offer in a number of areas, giving young and old alike a better understanding of the ecological challenges facing our planet, discovering marine renewable energies, and learning about the richness of the coastline of Haute-Normandie.

2. The Château Museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Towards the rue de Chastes, you’ll find the Dieppe Museum, or rather the Dieppe fortress. The museum castle was built in the 14th century, and since then it has never ceased to arouse the curiosity of visitors, who are always keen to learn more about the town. The building, made mainly of flint (yes, this material does stand the test of time), houses collections made by Dieppe craftsmen in the 16th century: ivories, paintings, seascapes… Explore Dieppe’s history in depth, admiring its 25,000 objects on display in around fifteen rooms. Yes, the visit lasts several hours, dear friends! The diversity of the exhibits is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll also get a taste of Dieppe’s rich maritime heritage and its legendary port. Listed as a historic monument, the Château de Dieppe is an integral part of the town’s landscape: visitors love to take photos of its robust architecture, made up of successive constructions over the centuries. It proudly dominates the town, offering a splendid view of the sea.

3. Saint-Jacques Church

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: If, during your visit to the town, you take a stroll down the rue Sainte-Catherine, your eyes will be drawn to the magnificent church of Saint-Jacques, which has been remodelled over several centuries. To be more precise, it was built from 1195 onwards. Its central portal, topped with a rose window, was added later. For those in the know, the architecture is both Gothic and Romanesque, with a few Renaissance elements thrown in for good measure. As a result, the building has a somewhat special style, giving it a mystical and electric aura. Here’s a fun fact: pay close attention to the minute details, as the sailors have engraved graffiti on the walls, particularly in the sacristy. You can also admire the frieze commemorating the maritime expeditions to Africa, Asia and America. It’s a clever and innovative way to learn more about the history of Normandy and Dieppe, thanks to the many explanatory drawings.

4. Dieppe Market

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: As mentioned above, the town of Dieppe is home to one of the biggest markets in France, as well as one of the biggest in the whole of Europe. As a reminder, it was voted “Most beautiful market in France in 2020”. Leave aside the cultural and historical sights for a day. Take the time to wander around the Dieppe market, a lively place where you’ll find plenty of fresh, quality produce to cook with. You’ll also get to know the locals and shopkeepers, who are always happy to welcome newcomers. What’s more, if you like fish or, more generally, anything that comes from the sea, such as molluscs or prawns, you’ll be served up on a silver platter! So make a point of coming along every Saturday morning to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the town, bathed in the smell of sea salt. Head for Place du Quai Henri IV, opposite the marina!

5. A day at the beach

Category: Free/Sporty

Description: Yes, Dieppe is a seaside resort, and a seaside resort means a large expanse of water. It’s beautiful. Are you planning to travel during the summer, when the heat and the sweat are on? Then treat yourself to a day on the beach at Dieppe, renowned for its fine sand at low tide. You can even admire the Château de Dieppe, as mentioned above. This is not a rough beach – the waves can be a bit rough from time to time, but nothing too serious. This will allow you to take a break and enjoy your holiday to the full, as it should be. After all, there’s nothing better than a sunny afternoon lounging on a deckchair, sipping a glass of Dieppe’s famous cider. You can even take part in some sporting activities, whether on land or in the water. There’s a vast area of lawns and playgrounds stretching for almost two kilometres. Perfect for a family game of badminton!

6. Getting to the Port

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: You can’t leave the town of Dieppe without setting foot in its port. After all, it’s a bit like part of its soul, its essence, even its DNA. It’s right in the middle of the town, a bit like its heart. What will you love? The trawlers and small boats are like a palette of colours, absolutely magnificent in every way. If you’re an artist among our readers, you’ll love going there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to paint, or draw, this pretty, postcard-perfect setting. Take a stroll and let yourself be swept away by a torrent of tranquillity, where peace and serenity reign supreme. An ideal activity for couples, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around the harbour while admiring the breathtaking scenery beneath the Dieppe sky.