Many people know Dieppe for its beach, its promenade and its castle, but there are plenty of other experiences to add to this pleasant picture.
As early as 1812, Dieppe was already the first French seaside resort to offer seawater treatments, and it has retained a strong link with this noble status. The best way to see it for yourself is to visit the Dieppe Spa. This town-run establishment combines the pleasures of sport, leisure and well-being, so you can relax and replenish your health in front of an exceptional maritime panorama. Hammam, sauna, solarium, bubble beds, heated seawater pools – I bet you’ll want to try it all. For those who are feeling a bit peckish, the complex’s O2 Mer restaurant will do its utmost to satisfy you with simple or more elaborate meals.
A quick tour of the surrounding area
Well, that’s about it for Dieppe. However, wait until you see what the surrounding landscape has in store for you. Within a radius of 15 km or less, here’s a list of interesting places to visit.
Let’s start with Miromesnil Castle and Arques-la-Bataille Castle, just 10 minutes apart. The former is a magnificent sixteenth- and seventeenth-century building, surrounded by a beautiful UNESCO listed beech forest, famous for having been the residence of the Marquis de Miromesnil, Louis XVI’s Keeper of the Seals, as well as that of the famous writer Guy de Maupassant. The second is an ancient castle probably built between 1040 and 1045 by William d’Arques, the uncle of William the Conqueror. Nowadays, though its remains are closed to visitors, it is a popular destination for strolling through the valley. The walls of the castle offer a breathtaking panoramic view over the Béthune and Varenne rivers, Arques-la-Bataille village and the wooded slopes in the background.
Mother Nature
Another essential stop not far from Dieppe is Varengeville-sur-Mer. Located between the countryside and the English Channel, this fascinating village is a combination of mainly natural treasures. Visitors can enjoy the Bois des Moutiers Park, one of the three most-visited gardens in France, with its large collection of giant rhododendrons, where trees, plants and flowers flourish. Alternatively, take a dip in the alleys of the Shamrock Garden, next to the magnificent Ango Manor, with its unique collection of hydrangeas, the largest in the world. As you make your way down to the village church and marine cemetery, there are two other outstanding sights to discover which offer a breathtaking view of the Dieppe Bay. Just below, in a natural, secret and intimate setting, the Vasterival valley, which overlooks the sea, shows once again that nature reigns supreme here!
More must-sees
The Memorial of 19 August 1942, not far from the beautiful Tourelles, reveals a tragic page in Dieppe’s history. This symbolic date recalls the unsuccessful episode of Winston Churchill’s ‘Operation Jubilee’ during the war, which resulted in the loss of many lives, mainly Canadian.
The wellness break
If the temperature of seawater makes you want to take a few steps back, you should consider the Dieppe baths, which are a great alternative for pampering yourself in one of the many facilities, some of which are heated.
A little tour of the surrounding area
If you need a change of scenery without having to travel far, the Miromesnil castle, birthplace of the famous French author Guy de Maupassant, or the impressive Moutiers gorges are two attractive options that will delight you.
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