Set off on a captivating family getaway to Dieppe, a charming coastal gem on the Normandy coast. Just a train ride from Paris, this delightful port town boasts beautiful beaches and rich maritime history.
Top things to see and do in Dieppe with the family
Travel sustainably and enjoy discounts at various attractions
Embrace eco-friendly travel and enjoy exclusive discounts by presenting your low-carbon travel credentials. Find out how to access these discounted tickets and make your journey not only rewarding but also kind to the planet.
A vibrant seaside town, Dieppe is both a fishing, commercial, and yachting port, offering something for everyone. With its strong maritime character and reputation as the kite-flying capital, it’s also a fantastic family-friendly destination, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The Château-Musée overlooking the town
A family getaway in Dieppe is the perfect introduction to this captivating coastal town. Begin your adventure with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, where the rich history comes to life. Be sure to walk up at the magnificent Château de Dieppe, an impressive fortress dating back to the 15th century, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Next, embrace the charm of the pebble beach, where families can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. After a delightful walk, meander towards the vibrant quays, where an array of boats and yachts create a lively maritime atmosphere.
A family-friendly market experience in Dieppe
Visiting Dieppe’s vibrant market – voted the “Most Beautiful Market in France” in 2020 – is a fantastic family activity that shouldn’t be missed. Set against the backdrop of this charming coastal town, the market buzzes with energy and offers a delightful array of local produce, artisanal goods, and unique treasures. Every Saturday morning in Dieppe, the local market is the gathering place for locals and visitors alike. With the lively buzz of conversation and the vibrant colours of the stalls, the market offers a truly immersive experience. No one leaves empty-handed—there’s always something delightful to take home.
Aquarium and maritime heritage
The exploration of Dieppe’s town centre continues at the Estran Cité de la Mer Museum. Immerse yourself in the marine and maritime world as you uncover the richness of the Normandy coastline, the secrets of fishing, and several unique aquariums found nowhere else in Seine-Maritime. This captivating experience invites families and curious visitors to learn about the fascinating underwater ecosystem and the vital role the sea plays in the region’s heritage.
The kite capital of France
If the wind is just right, why not give kite flying a go? Families flock to the beach, engaging in this joyful activity that combines creativity and community spirit. With kites of all shapes and sizes soaring high above, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. This playful experience serves as a delightful preview of the renowned International Kite Festival of Dieppe, held every two years. At this spectacular event, the sky transforms into a canvas of colours, showcasing an array of stunning giant kites crafted by talented artists from around the world. It’s a unique celebration that invites everyone to join in the fun, making it one of the highlights of Dieppe’s vibrant cultural scene.
More inspiration for quality family time in Dieppe
- The booty of Balidar, treasure hunt
- Explore the town on the Dieppe tourist train
- Pedal-powered adventures along the seafront in a rosalie
Markets and shopping in Dieppe
- Market Days in Dieppe: The most iconic market in Dieppe is undoubtedly the Saturday morning market, voted the Most Beautiful Market in France by the French people in 2020. It takes place at Place Nationale, Grande Rue, and Rue de la Barre. Fishermen’s wives also set up stalls at the fish markets on Quai Henri IV and Quai Trudaine every morning from Tuesday to Saturday. In the summer, four night markets are also held.
- For food lovers, a visit to the Epicerie C’2 Normandie grocery store is highly recommended.
Dieppe: a vibrant city all year round
The town hosts numerous events throughout the year.
In Spring:
- Europe’s one and only Canadian Film Festival end March
In summer:
- Summer Fair: in August
At the end of summer:
- International Kite Festival: held every two years in September
At the end of the year:
- Herring Fair: celebrated every November.
Our favourite spots in Dieppe
Sleeping in the town centre
- The Mercure La Présidence Hotel and its family-friendly policies
The hotel boasts a central location, overlooking the beach and the Les Bains de Dieppe aquatic and thalassotherapy centre. Notably, at Mercure Hotels, children under 12 can stay in your room for free and enjoy breakfast at a reduced rate.
- L’Hôtel de l’Europe and its seaview
Perfectly positioned along the seafront, it offers spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the sea. This three-star hotel ensures a relaxing stay, and a complimentary electric shuttle service whisks guests from the train station directly to the hotel. What more could you ask for?
Eating Out in the town centre
L’Entrepôt is undoubtedly one of our favorites. With a wide array of options including galettes, salads, charcuterie boards, savory tarts, and homemade pastries, you’ll be spoiled for choice. This delightful creperie also doubles as a concert bar, where it’s common to spot and listen to talented singers and musicians performing.
If you’re a fan of brasseries and can’t resist a good burger with homemade fries, Le Calvados with its spacious outdoor terrace is the place to be.
Additionally, don’t miss the delicious dishes crafted at les Ursulines, a vegan coffee shop that uses seasonal ingredients and is committed to sustainable tourism. What more could you ask for?
Other great places to try
- Le New Haven, a restaurant with a view of the marina.
- Poke par Passion offering a selection of poke bowls, sandwiches, and homemade fruit juices.
How to get to Dieppe?
Travel sustainably and enjoy discounts at various attractions
Embrace eco-friendly travel and enjoy exclusive discounts by presenting your low-carbon travel credentials. Find out how to access these discounted tickets and make your journey not only rewarding but also kind to the planet.
| By train | From Paris |
|---|---|
| Travel Time | 2 h 18 minutes (shortest journey) |
| Price | Starting from €16 per person. Children aged 4-12 benefit from a 50% discount on the adult ticket price. Children under 4 years old travel for free (on an adult’s lap). If you would like a reserved seat for your child, consider opting for the kids package. |
| Validity period | All year round |
| Details | Paris > Dieppe Book my ticket |
Would you like to experience the same holiday?
Plan your trip to Dieppe with our top tips and information from the map.
2 days / 1 night
Family Trip
Dieppe
About a 6-minute walk from the station.
Very easy
Travelling to Dieppe by train
Reduces your carbon footprint: 0.6 kg of CO2 per person compared to 42 kg when driving a car from Paris.
Ten good reasons to visit Normandy in 2026
Brimming with history, culture, stunning natural scenery, remembrance sites and great food & drink, Normandy truly has it all! We invite you to enjoy and to explore all that our beautiful part of France has to offer. Just in case you need convincing, here is a list of ten good reasons to visit Normandy this...
