Ferries to Dieppe, France

The Upper Normandy (Haute Normandie) region of France is incredibly popular with British tourists.

It’s close to home, but still different enough to know one is on holiday, and with the number of different attractions, fantastic restaurants, and excellent places to stay, it really is a fantastic area to visit for a short break away.

This area was created in 1984, and is made up of two former areas (Seine-Maritime and Eure). This is where William the Conqueror came from, and where the D Day Landings happened, but despite its bloody history, the area of Upper Normandy is a beautifully picturesque one.

Getting to Dieppe

Ferry Routes

OperatorRouteServicesTravel TimePrice
Newhaven Dieppe 3 daily 4 hoursSee prices

This information is for reference purposes only. Journey times are approximate. Frequency is based on typical schedules. Schedules are subject to availability and weather conditions. Information correct at the time of writing.

Taster Cruise Ship Itineraries

Sorry, no mini cruise routes can be found sailing to Dieppe sailing on a cruise ship.

Top 3 Cruise & Ferry Deals

  1. P&O Ferries themed mini cruises from £99pp
  2. P&O Ferries Amsterdam Mini Cruise From £55pp
  3. P&O Ferries Rotterdam Mini Cruise From £55pp

Sightseeing

First time visitors to the Upper Normandy region might be surprised at just how much there is to do, almost on their doorstep. This checklist of the main tourist attractions should be enough to keep you going for your break away.

D-Day landing beaches

A trip to the Upper Normandy region wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous beaches that were so essential to the Allies during World War Two. Omaha Beach was where the American troops landed on D-Day, and Juno Beach was where the Canadian troops landed, and British troops arrived at Sword Beach.

Each of these beaches – as well as Gold and Utah – has a visitor centre, and each one tells the story of the D-Day Landings, and the military missions that began on that day (Operation Overlord and Operation Neptune). There is something eerily moving about standing on the same beaches upon which Allied soldiers battled in terrible conditions, and where so many died in the end.

British, American, and Canadian war graves

The British, American, and Canadian war graves can be found all across the Upper Normandy region, and each one is as poignant today as it was 70 years ago. The sight of masses of headstones, each one showing that a soldier is buried beneath, is moving and thought provoking, and although a solemn place to visit, it is certainly something you should put on your list – lest we forget.

Some visit to get a feel for the place, some because of a sense of duty, and some because they have discovered they have relatives buried in a particular cemetery. Perhaps your family tree will tell you something about which set of graves to visit whilst in the area.

Museum of the Battle of Normandy

The Museum of the Battle of Normandy has a multitude of fascinating exhibits and displays, and describes how the allies landed so many troops on the beaches. Each detail is painstakingly recreated, and each display gives you a little more information. There is a lot here, so you should expect to spend a good few hours here learning about what it took to liberate France.

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel (or St Michael’s Mount) is actually an island with a population of less than 50 at the last count. These 50 are mostly Benedictine monks who live in an ancient monastery built in 706.

Despite the small population, the island is never lonely as around three million visitors cross the 600 metre causeway each year to visit (at low tide; the island is inaccessible at any other time). The main income for the monks comes from the sheep they rear on the fertile salt marsh meadows, and this tender meat can be found at most local restaurants in the Upper Normandy region.

Monet’s house

Monet’s house and gardens is where the famous artist came up with some of his most iconic images, including the water lily series. Buy a combined ticket and you can visit the house, gardens, and museum, and find out more about the man and his life and work.

Described as ‘breathtaking’ and ‘magical’ by previous visitors, there is certainly something special in the air around Claude Monet’s stunning house.

Musee Airborne

The Musee Airborne is situated right in the heart of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, where a raging battle was fought during World War II. The museum celebrates the bravery and heroics of the American paratroopers who were part of Operation Overload in 1944.

The museum has been open for over 50 years, and has a number of artefacts, photos, videos, and letters from the time. There is even an interactive walkthrough that shows you what it was like to be a paratrooper on that fateful day. Interesting and immense, this museum is a great little find.

Bayeux Tapestry

Of course, no trip to the Upper Normandy region would be complete without seeing the Bayeux Tapestry. The tapestry is over 1000 years old, and depicts the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, when William the Conqueror was victorious and became king of England.

This huge and detailed tapestry (although some call it an embroidery, and there is some debate about what it really is) can be seen in its full glory at the museum, along with an audio guide to help you decipher what you are seeing.

The detail shown is wonderful, and the whole things measures 70 metres long by 50 centimetres high. It weighs a massive 350 pounds. And of course, you must look out for Harold getting an arrow in his eye!

Notre Dame de Bayeux

Notre Dame de Bayeux is an impressive cathedral (despite its relatively small size) that is beautiful during the day, but really must be seen at night when it is completely illuminated to be appreciated. There is a lot of history here, and many say that the atmosphere is breath taking.

Maison Temoin Perret

Maison Temoin Perret is an interesting and rather different place to visit. This is where the man who is responsible for redesigning Le Havre (part of Upper Normandy) after it was all but destroyed during the bombings of World War II.

Auguste Perret was a specialist in reinforced concrete reconstruction, and thanks to this particular skill, he and his team were able to rebuild the town of Le Havre. The Maison Temoin Perret is a museum and exhibition centre that details the reconstruction from start to finish.

Port Racine

Port Racine is the smallest harbour in France, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. An excellent spot for people watching, for some peace and quiet, and some relaxation in a truly picturesque place, this little harbour is a lovely day trip, and the walks in the area are fantastic.

Benedictine Palace

The Benedictine Palace is not just a beautiful building with some impressive architecture; it is also where the Benedictine workers make their secret and special brandy, a blend of 27 different ingredients. You can buy it here for a truly unique gift (this is the only place it can be bought), and there are plenty of other drinks to buy too. There is a tasting bar and a tour, so join in and have fun!

And there's more...

Sometimes it is nice to stroll away from the beaten path and try something just a little bit different. The following places and attractions are just that; different. And if you have been to Upper Normandy before, then it might be that these are the things you haven’t yet done…

Falaise d’Etretat is a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy fantastic sea views, rugged landscapes, and gorgeous cliff top walks. Perfect for hiking, or for a leisurely stroll, this is a windswept village on the coast of France that makes the most of its ideal position.

Photos don’t do the place justice; you really need to see it for yourself. Once you do, you’ll never be able to forget it’s majestic yet simple beauty.

The Pegasus Memorial is a museum dedicated to explaining how and why the Pegasus Bridge was captured. Find out why this was such an important part of World War II, discover who was involved, and learn about what went into such a dangerous and difficult mission.

Although the story of the Pegasus Bridge isn’t a widely known one, by the time you have completed your tour of this museum, you’ll be able to let your friends and family know about it, and spread the word.

The funiculaire is a free service that takes you from the cliff top down to the beach at Treport. It’s fun to do, and saves quite a climb. As with much of the area, this part of Normandy was mostly destroyed during World War II, and the original funiculaire with it, but thanks to a devoted team of volunteers, the little route is now up and running again, and is very popular.

If you fancy a flutter, why not pop to the Hippodrome Deauville La Touques? This racecourse is a fun day out for everyone, and whether you want to place a bet or not, there is still plenty to do.

Set in a beautiful location and within easy walking distance of both the town of Deauville and the station, many come here for the restaurants alone, which can be a lot cheaper than outside the racecourse! With a fun, vibrant atmosphere and bargains galore (plus the chance to win some money if you’re lucky), going to the races could become an essential part of your trip away.

The Musee Baron Gerard is quite a new addition to the Normandy visitor attractions list, and as such might not be on many of the lists of places to visit. However, that doesn’t mean that it should be missed.

The museum is a potted history of the world in art, starting with the Romans and finishing in the 20th century. Pottery, lace, paintings, furniture, coins, porcelain… the list of artefacts seems endless, and each one tells a compelling story of the world’s history.

Tatihou Island has a café that sells oysters, an annual music festival, a World War II museum, stunning beaches, fantastic walks, and has to be visited by boat (or walked to in low tide, but beware, you may need to find a different route back).

Sounds like a perfect little slice of heaven, and that’s just what many people feel it to be. A hidden gem, not known by many, this day trip on a day trip is a wonderful way to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and tranquillity (or some loud music, depending on when you go). Tickets can be purchased at the marina in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, and visitors are limited to 500 every day, so if peak season it is worth getting there early.

Hotels

A hotel can make or break a holiday, so doing research before booking is essential. The following list shows the variety of places to stay in the Upper Normandy region for all budget and needs.

Budget hotels in Upper Normandy

Value for money is often top of the list when it comes to trips away full stop. So these budget hotels could be just the ticket:

For location, the Hotel Vert in Le Mont-Saint-Michel takes some beating, and a handy shuttle bus stops right outside the doors to take you to all the main tourist sites and villages in the region. It is friendly, clean, and basic, and for those who like fuss free hotels, it is ideal. Cars aren’t allowed in this part of the town of St Michel, so you need to call ahead to obtain a code for the town gates if you are planning on parking at the hotel.

Hotel le Beauvoir is a budget hotel in Beauvoir with a small restaurant for breakfast, dinner, and drinks (not included in the price of the room), as well as free Wi-Fi. The hotel is known for its cleanliness and friendly staff, and if you don’t feel like eating there, there is a café across the road that is very popular.

Family-friendly hotels in Upper Normandy

Making sure your family is happy and comfortable on holiday is a priority, so choosing a hotel that they will all like can be a bit of a headache sometimes. Try these family friendly hotels:

The staff at Normandy Barriere in Deauville are most willing to assist in any way they can, and for families the hotel offers a wonderful experience with connecting rooms, large suites, and a location that means you can explore Upper Normandy to your heart’s content. Charming, rustic, and with a kids’ club too, the Normandy Barriere has a lot to offer.

When booking, any children’s ages are taking into account in order to give you the perfect room to suit the entire group at Hotel de la Plage. Situated right on the beach, the hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Luz also has its own restaurant. Ideal for exploring with a family.

Luxury hotels in Upper Normandy

Want to treat yourself? A luxury hotel is the way to go.

Hotel de Bourgtheroulde is a 15th century listed building in the centre of Rouen, and is an impressive sight. But it’s not just the outside that is wonderful – inside you will be treated to a spa, pool, steam room, sauna, gym, and six superb treatment rooms. Not only that, but there is a bar, a fine dining restaurant, and a brasserie. Location-wise, it is only a five minute walk from the cathedral and museums.

Situated in Le Havre, the Hotel Pasino offers a spa and sauna, as well as massage treatments. Treat yourself, and then relax in your sumptuous room… or try your hand at winning some cash in the on site casino!

Restaurants

Many hotels offer dinner, and have restaurants, but in case you felt like trying something a little different, there are literally hundreds of other places you can dine at. These value for money restaurants are sure to whet your appetite.

Unpretentious and comfortable, Little Resto in Rouen is an ideal place to pop into for a bargain lunch. Dishes include pastas and sandwiches, as well as some larger dishes such as the duo of fish with vegetables. And there are some fantastic desserts too (pavlova, crème brulee, and the fabulous ‘Little Apple’ cakes).

Le Chat Bleu in Le Havre is cosy, friendly, and with staff and owners who will go out of their way to ensure you have exactly what you need, you might think that you would need to spend a fortune in this little café. But actually, it is a very reasonable place to eat, and since everything is home-made, you can be sure that you are being treated like family!

Taking the family out to eat will be either an utter disaster or a wonderful occasion. Make it the latter and pick family friendly restaurants.

For authentic Italian food and a great atmosphere, as well as being a great place to take the whole family, look no further than L’Adresse in Dieppe. For smaller tastebuds, there is a wide range of pizzas, and for those who want to try something different, there is a lot to choose from. What about mussels with fries? Homemade fish soup? Duck magret?

The menu at Le Vivaldi in Caudebec-en-Caux consists of burgers, pizza, pasta, and everything that kids (big and small) love to eat. The portions are generous and the ingredients are fresh. Perfect!

Fine dining is perhaps not something you would want to do every day, but when on holiday sometimes it is nice to do something a little different.

Located in Rouen, Gill is a very special place to enjoy a beautiful meal. Food such as ox cheek and duck foie gras terrine, Brittany lobster, and millefeuille a la minute grace the menu, and since everything is seasonal – and absolutely fresh – the menu often changes, so every time you visit you can try something new.

The menu at Le Jardin des Plumes in Giverny is best described as eclectic, but that is no bad thing when you want to surprise yourself with flavours! Example items include smoked duck tiramisu with artichoke, and pork filet mignon with pumpkin sauce!

Family travel

The Haute Normandy region is ideal for families to visit together, and a trip like this is a fantastic way to give your children an idea of the history of not only France, but their own country as well.

Be prepared to answer some potentially difficult questions, but if you aren’t sure of the answers, or would prefer someone else explained, then there are plenty of museums and experts in the area – everyone can learn here, and everyone can come away with a new perspective on the war.

When to Visit Upper Normandy

The great thing about the Upper Normandy region of France is that the majority of attractions, restaurants, and visitor sites are open all year round, so going when it suits you is not a problem. If you do want to be around for some specific events, however, then June is a good time to go. The D-Day landings took place on 6th June, and every year there are a number of events that commemorate this historic date. From exhibitions to beach front memorial services, if you are visiting Normandy because of an interesting in World War II, this is the time to come.

Handy information

Where you will dock

Dieppe's port lies on the north eastern fringe of the town. It's around 2 miles (about 3 kilometres) from the town centre.

The port has great road links thanks to the D485 that leads eastwards around the town and then heads off in  a westerly direction towards Ouville-la-Rivière, Le Bourg-Dun, Veules-les-Roses, Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Cany-Barville, and to Fécamp.

The D925 heads off in a north easterly direction to Criel-sur-Mer and Le Tréport.

Nearest airport

The nearest international airport to Dieppe is Beauvais-Tillé Airport. The airport is located 68 miles (about 109 kilometres) south east of the town.

Nearest railway stations

Gare de Dieppe is the nearest railway station and is around 2 miles (about 3 kilometres) from the port.

Currency

The currency used in Normandy is the Euro (€). 100 cents make up 1 Euro. Euro coins are available in 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents coins. Euro bank notes are available in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 values.

The exchange rate is currently around £1 equals €1.17. The rate you get when exchanging currency online or on the high street may differ to this rate as this figure comes courtesy of the European Central Bank. The foreign exchange rate may differ from this so it pays to shop around to get the most currency for your money

There are many foreign currency exchange companies around but whenever I convert money into Dollars or Euros I tend to stick to the better known companies. Travelex are a familiar presence on the high street and in airports.

How you buy currency is up to you but personally I prefer to pre-book online as I normally get a better rate that way. Similarly, some companies offer better rates if you convert more currency in one go.

Ferry Routes

OperatorRouteServicesTravel TimePrice
Newhaven Dieppe 3 daily 4 hoursSee prices

This information is for reference purposes only. Journey times are approximate. Frequency is based on typical schedules. Schedules are subject to availability and weather conditions. Information correct at the time of writing.

Taster Cruise Ship Itineraries

Sorry, no mini cruise routes can be found sailing to Dieppe sailing on a cruise ship.

Top 3 Cruise & Ferry Deals

  1. P&O Ferries themed mini cruises from £99pp
  2. P&O Ferries Amsterdam Mini Cruise From £55pp
  3. P&O Ferries Rotterdam Mini Cruise From £55pp

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