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Dieppe is first and foremost a town shaped by the sea. Often known as the “town of four ports”, it brings together fishing, commercial shipping, the marina and the cross-Channel link with Newhaven, all right in the heart of town.
Travel from Newhaven to Dieppe via Ferry from as little as four hours. With a regular service running all year round, there's never been an easier or more scenic way to travel to France. View crossing times and book tickets online here
Dieppe harbour is not simply a backdrop: it has shaped Dieppe’s history, identity and everyday life.Within a few minutes’ walk, you can move from the marina to the shopping streets, from the beach to historic churches, and then up to the castle overlooking the Channel. Dieppe is compact, lively and easy to explore on foot: a real working town all year round, where maritime heritage, seafood and much-loved local events remain an important part of daily life.
The ferry terminal is slightly outside the town centre. A dedicated shuttle bus links the ferry terminal with Dieppe railway station and the town centre, with services timed around ferry departures and arrivals. For foot passengers, it is the easiest way to reach the heart of Dieppe.
Once in the centre, most of Dieppe’s main sights are within walking distance: the marina, Quai Henri IV, Grande Rue, the beach, the castle, the churches and the Pollet district.
The Castle Museum and its views — Housed in the former fortress overlooking the town, the Musée de Dieppe has a remarkable collection of carved ivory, numerous paintings and works connected with the town’s maritime history. From around the castle, there are sweeping views over the beach, the Channel and Dieppe’s rooftops.
Quai Henri IV and the marina — Colourful façades, boats, terraces and restaurants line Quai Henri IV, facing the marina in the very heart of town. It is one of Dieppe’s best-known spots and a natural stop on any walk through the centre.
The town centre and Place du Puits Salé — Around Grande Rue and Place du Puits Salé, shops, cafés, small streets and characterful façades make up a lively centre that is easy to explore at your own pace.
Saint-Jacques and Saint-Rémy churches — Two major landmarks of Dieppe’s heritage. Saint-Jacques in particular reflects the town’s maritime history and the great voyages undertaken by Dieppe’s sailors and explorers, while Saint-Rémy adds another layer to the historic town centre.
Le Pollet and Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours — On the other side of the harbour, Le Pollet still reflects its past as a neighbourhood of sailors and fishermen. Higher up, the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours chapel offers a different perspective over the harbour and town.
The beach, seafront and cliffs — Just a short walk from the centre, Dieppe’s wide pebble beach stretches between chalk cliffs. Whether for a walk, a sunset, a swim or simply a pause facing the Channel, the sea is always close at hand.
The 19 August 1942 Memorial — Housed in the former municipal theatre, the memorial tells the story of Operation Jubilee, the Allied raid of 19 August 1942 that left a deep mark on Dieppe and on Franco-Canadian relations. Objects, documents and personal accounts help visitors understand this major episode in the town’s history.
The Saturday market — Every Saturday morning, Dieppe’s large market fills the town centre and is one of the liveliest moments of the week. Local producers, fruit and vegetable stalls, Normandy specialities and plenty of tempting food give visitors an immediate feel for the town.
In Dieppe, food is closely tied to the harbour and the seasons. Seafood naturally takes centre stage in restaurants, along the quays and at the fish market.
Scallops — one of Dieppe’s signature products, featuring on menus and market stalls from October to May, from autumn right through to spring.
Marmite dieppoise — a generous local speciality made with fish and seafood, and one of the dishes most closely associated with the destination.
Fish and seafood — served in many restaurants around the harbour, Le Pollet and the town centre, reflecting Dieppe’s strong maritime identity.
Dieppe offers much more than sightseeing. The town and surrounding area have a wide range of leisure activities, combining the sea, sport, entertainment and the outdoors.
On the water — sailing, boat trips and sea fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, diving and coastal walking in shallow water all make the Channel a real playground.
By bike — several routes offer a different way to discover Dieppe and the coast; the ferry crossing also forms part of the Avenue Verte London–Paris cycle route.
Sport and leisure — the clifftop golf course, racecourse and horse racing, bowling, family activities and other leisure facilities add to the choice.
Going out — the cultural programme also includes distinctive venues such as La Sirène à Barbe, a drag cabaret located near the railway station.
Dieppe International Kite Festival: Every two years, the seafront is completely transformed as giant kites, international delegations, artistic creations and flying displays fill the sky and beach. The 2025 edition welcomed almost 386,000 visitors; the next festival is scheduled for 2027.
Herring and Scallop Fair: Every autumn, Quai Henri IV celebrates two products that tell a large part of Dieppe’s maritime story. Grilled herring, scallops, food stalls and crowds along the quays create a lively weekend with a distinctly Dieppe atmosphere.
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