The best things to do in Dieppe will entice everybody from shoppers to history lovers, as this scenic coastal town is steeped in hundreds of years of history. The white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast form a photo-worthy backdrop to sightseeing in the town. The splendid scenery is best admired from the hilltop medieval castle or from the comfort of sailing boats that depart from the town’s bustling harbour.
The pedestrianised Grande Rue is a great place to begin exploring the historic centre of this refreshingly under-the-radar seaside town. This sleepy street comes roaring into life each Saturday with the arrival of the town’s famous food and produce market.
What are the best things to do in Dieppe?
Fairytale hilltop castle
Ideal para: História, Foto
Perched above the historic heart of Dieppe, the Château-Musée de Dieppe looks like something from a fairytale with its pointed turrets and lofty hilltop location. The handsome medieval building attracts photographers keen to snap its striking exterior, but it’s well worth stepping inside.
The cool interior of the 15th-century fortified building today houses a museum of art and nautical treasures from ancient model ships, maps and navigation tools to Dutch and French paintings from the 16th century onwards, including works from Renoir and Braque. It’s a steep uphill climb to get here, so wear comfortable shoes, but visitors are well rewarded with sweeping views over Dieppe and out to sea.
Localização: Rue de Chastes, Bd de la Mer, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +33 (0)2 35 06 61 99
Château-Musée de Dieppe
Popular family-friendly pebble beach
Ideal para: Famílias, Casais, Foto
No visit to this seaside town is complete without a stroll or sunbathing session at Plage de Dieppe. The pretty pebble beach stretches along the famous Alabaster Coast for almost a mile and is a popular spot for family picnics and leisurely strolls in the Normandy sunshine.
A children’s playground adds to the appeal for families, and cycling tracks along the shoreline are popular year-round. During the summer, rustic wooden beach huts fuel seaside adventures with crepes, ice cream and local wines, and the backdrop of towering cliffs and Dieppe’s handsome promenade makes this a beautiful spot for a sundown drink.
Localização: 6 Bd Maréchal Foch, 76200 Dieppe, France
Plage de Dieppe
Bustling pedestrianised shopping street
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação
Dieppe’s Grand Rue is a major draw for fashionistas, foodies, and families. The pedestrianised avenue cuts a dash with its timbered townhouses, many of which now function as boutiques and pavement cafes. Window shopping and cafe-hopping here is a pleasant activity during the week, while weekends bustle with regular produce markets and arts and craft fairs.
It’s a pleasant place for people watching with a coffee or cold beer at one of the many streetside cafes, but make time to admire the impressive market hall and the Gothic grandeur of the Église Saint-Jacques church, which makes a dramatic backdrop to shopping and people watching on Dieppe’s most famous street.
Grande Rue
Sightseeing on the water
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
Boat tours of the Alabaster Coast are the perfect way to admire Dieppe’s white cliffs and unique rock formations while spending a leisurely day on the water. Comfortable sailing boats and even dinghies, for those with a taste for seafaring adventures, set sail from the town’s harbour for cruises through these blue-green waters and typically run as half-day or full-day excursions.
Seabirds soaring overhead, passengers can take in unique views of Dieppe’s medieval hilltop castle and bustling promenade and some tour operators offer sunset cruises where it’s possible to sip a glass of sparkling wine as the sun sets the water aglow.
Boat tour of the Alabaster Coast
Striking Gothic church
Ideal para: História, Foto
The Gothic grandeur of Église Saint-Jacques makes a dramatic backdrop to sightseeing in downtown Dieppe. The bell tower of magnificent 12th-century church towers above the pitched-roof houses of this seaside town and its impressive exterior is matched by the glorious stained-glass windows, interior chapels and enormous church organ.
Prime your camera to snap photos of the intricate facade and set aside at least an hour to fully appreciate the interior as there are lots of nooks and crannies to explore. If You’re an art lover, look out for detailed friezes depicting navigators’ voyages of discovery.
Localização: 10 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 35 84 21 65
Église Saint-Jacques
Fascinating maritime museum
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Grupos
Estran Cité de la Mer offers fascinating insights into Dieppe’s maritime past and present, showcasing important artefacts from hundreds of years of seafaring history. Alongside replicas of historic vessels, there are interactive exhibits highlighting modern conservation methods. And visitors will find a small aquarium and can gain intriguing insights into the local marine ecosystem.
There’s a modest entrance fee to this small but well-curated museum and its location close to the harbour and seafront makes this an ideal first port of call. It’s perfect for visitors looking to get a deeper understanding of the importance of Dieppe’s coastal location and the fascinating sea life that surrounds the seaside town.
Localização: 37 Rue de l’Asile Thomas, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm)
Telefone: +33 (0)2 35 06 93 20
Estran Cité de la Mer
Gambling with style
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais
Located in the L’Echappée - Hôtel Casino Dieppe near the beach and town centre, Casino de Dieppe attracts a diverse clientele seeking leisure and entertainment. It offers a range of gaming options including slot machines, blackjack and roulette, along with hosting concerts, events and dining experiences.
The vibrant atmosphere makes the Casino de Dieppe a prominent venue for nightlife and social gatherings in Dieppe, enhancing its appeal as a cultural landmark in Normandy. Casino de Dieppe is also home to a large 600-seater theatre which regularly hosts all types of performances.
Localização: 3 Bd de Verdun, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 3 am, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 am
Telefone: +33 (0)2 32 14 48 00
Casino de Dieppe
Fun sightseeing train
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
The bright yellow Petit Train Touristique, ‘little tourist train’ is a familiar sight in Dieppe trundling through the historic streets of this scenic coastal city. It’s hugely popular with family visitors with fun sightseeing tours taking the legwork out of exploring the town’s historic centre and historically-important outskirts.
Beginning at Dieppe’s Marina, the ‘train’ runs along the road, rather than rail tracks and winds its way through the picturesque fishermen’s district, along the sea front and into the medieval heart of the old town. Tours are narrated in French, but non-French speaking visitors will find plenty to enjoy as the train passes local landmarks and stops for photo opportunities at various vantage points.
Localização: Quai Henri IV, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)6 76 82 26 52
Le Petit Train Touristique
Poignant museum and monument
Ideal para: História, Grupos
The centrally located Mémorial du 19 Août 1942 is a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of life in the Dieppe Raid of 1942. Also known as Operation Jubilee, the World War II raid resulted in a huge loss of life and insightful videos provide heart-breaking first-person perspectives of the events. An option to watch in English is also available.
Located in a handsome 1820s theatre building, the museum and monument is a major draw for history buffs, but the weapons, photos and war memorabilia on display will interest any visitor keen to learn more about Dieppe and its role in World War II. Opening hours can vary, so check the website before planning your visit.
Localização: 1 Pl. Camille Saint-Saëns, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Wednesday–Monday from 2 pm to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Mémorial du 19 Août 1942
Bustling Saturday produce market
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação
Marché de Dieppe is one of Normandy’s most important produce markets, with chefs and food lovers coming from miles around to stock up on gourmet goodies each Saturday. The market transforms Dieppe’s pedestrianised centre from sedate to super-busy. Local farmers and produce makers set up stalls selling everything from deliciously gooey cheeses, hand-made chocolates and fresh-baked breads and pastries to just-picked fruits and vegetables.
Arrive early to grab the freshest items and don’t be afraid to ask for a sample. Tasting is all part of the fun. After a hard day’s shopping, the nearby pavement cafes of the Grand Rue are a good place to sit with a cold drink and soak up the market-day buzz.
Localização: 58 Grande Rue, 76200 Dieppe, France
Abre: Saturday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Tuesday, Thursday from 8.3 0am to 12.30 pm (closed Saturday–Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Marché de Dieppe
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