2026 Dieppe Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Dieppe is a fairly old Norman town, dating back to 1030, although legend has it that it was founded by Vikings in 907. In the Middle Ages, Dieppe was one of the main ports on the coast, and all its neighbors—the Normans, the English, and the French—fought for it. But by the 18th century, things had calmed down, and the town became an important port for communication with Britain. We even caught the arrival of a ferry from Britain; here it is in the background: Dieppe is also famous for its scallops and mussels, but we didn't try them, honestly. We only tried cider and local fish (pictured) for lunch – the fish was delicious, the cider wasn't impressive. We might have chosen something more interesting, but: we found a restaurant that wasn't particularly touristy, the menu was in French and handwritten on a chalkboard, and the waiters spoke much worse English than I did. Our main goal in Dieppe was the coast. We passed through the town (not very large, about 30,000 residents, but not quite a village either) and turned right, along the cliffs. I think we even reached the next town, but perhaps that was just the outskirts of Dieppe. There were practically no people along the way, let alone tourists. Only a few locals who had arrived by car were chatting quietly on the coast. We saw the tide coming in – on the way back, the water was already covering the beach. And like true St. Petersburgers, we happened upon the bridges opening! Of course, not on purpose. It turns out the bridges here open, which we weren't quite prepared for. The first bridge isn't a drawbridge, but one that opens sideways—it's a 19th-century bridge, and its mechanisms are from the same era. They said there's no schedule, and they open it whenever a ship arrives! The bridge is a historical monument, as it's the last drawbridge still functioning with its original mechanism. We waited for about 35 minutes, and just as we were passing, a downpour started. While we were waiting in a pastry shop, the next bridge opened to get into the city center, but it only lasted for about 10 minutes. So if you're going to be walking around Dieppe, keep this in mind so you don't miss your train. We had two other destinations in the city: the central beach—a huge, pebbly one of Dieppe's landmarks—and the castle on the mountain. But the downpour slightly ruined all our plans—we arrived at the beach completely soaking wet. So we simply strolled along the beach, alone (there was nothing left to lose), and then climbed the mountain to see the castle. By then, the entrance to the grounds had already closed, which was a shame: there should be an excellent Maritime Museum inside. Well, we'd seen the outside. And our morale (it was wet and cold) was already low. And we still had to go back to Paris! We slowly made our way down to the city center. We considered having dinner, but we timed the last train to Rouen just in time for the train from Rouen to Paris, and realized we had to briskly trudge to the station anyway if we didn't want to spend the night in wet Dieppe. Despite the cloudy and damp feeling of the afternoon, I left with very good impressions of Dieppe—and perhaps a desire to return. I don't regret going, and I recommend taking a stroll if the opportunity arises.

#summervacay 🚄 How to get there: About 2 hours by train from Paris to Dieppe station — right by the sea, super convenient! 🏖️ Highlights: Pebble beach 🌑 — unique and calming, perfect to relax with sea breeze Locals sunbathing and kids collecting stones — very chill vibe ☀️🧒 Chateau de Dieppe 🏰 — climb up for stunning panoramic views of the beach and sea, perfect photo spot! 📸 Fishing harbor & seafood market 🦞 — watch fishermen unload fresh catch, try some local seafood delicacies! 🐟🦀 🎉 Bonus: Caught a classic car gathering during the visit, adding to the old-world charm! 🚗✨ #Dieppe #Normandy #CoastalTown #FranceTravel #DayTripFromParis #SeasideVibes

I’m the footsteps of Oscar Wilde

lovely weather in august and such a lovely holiday. nice and relaxed as well!

#autumnbeauty #100WaysOfTravel Dieppe, a charming coastal town in Normandy, France, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing yet enriching getaway. ### Getting There: Dieppe is easily accessible from Paris by train (around 2.5 hours) or by car. It’s also a popular ferry port, with regular services connecting to Newhaven in England. ### What to See: 1. **Château de Dieppe**: This clifftop castle offers panoramic views of the town and sea. Inside, you’ll find a museum displaying maritime artifacts, paintings, and Dieppe’s famous ivory carvings. 2. **Église Saint-Jacques**: A stunning Gothic church with intricate details and historical significance, it’s a peaceful spot to admire medieval architecture. 3. **Dieppe Memorial**: Located near the seafront, this memorial commemorates the tragic 1942 Dieppe Raid, an important World War II battle involving Allied forces. 4. **Port de Dieppe**: The lively harbor is a great place for a stroll. Watch the fishing boats come and go, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants nearby. 5. **Beaches**: Dieppe boasts a long pebble beach perfect for walks, sunbathing, or just enjoying the sea breeze. The beach is also known for its historical significance during World War II. 6. **Pont Colbert**: Dieppe’s historic hand-operated swing bridge is a unique sight and one of the last of its kind in France. ### What to Do: - **Dieppe Market**: Every Saturday, the town hosts one of the largest markets in Normandy. You can find everything from fresh local produce to artisan crafts. - **Seafood**: Dieppe is renowned for its scallops, and you’ll find them in many local dishes. Don’t miss a seafood platter at a harbor-side restaurant. - **Kite Festival**: If you visit in September, the International Kite Festival is a colorful and exciting event that brings kite enthusiasts from all over the world. ### Day Trips: Consider visiting nearby **Étretat** for its dramatic cliffs, or **Rouen**, known for its medieval half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral. Dieppe’s mix of history, seaside charm, and vibrant culture makes it a delightful destination for any traveler.

Are you looking for an awesome place to go? And near Paris staycation? Visit dieppe, it nice city with an amazing castle near seaside. And lots of things to do. #staycation #beachlife