The drive to Dieppe
Located right on the coast, Dieppe was well known in the 19th century as a seaside resort, and has a rich history as an important port; it was the setting for an allied raid on the Nazis when they occupied France. While Dieppe is a great place to visit, either to visit the beach or see the WWII history, there’s other locations not to miss on the drive there.
Driving to Dieppe from our Calais terminal gives you amazing views of the coast for the entire journey, taking you through Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Touqet and Berck. The drive is just over two hours, so really easy to do in one day. However, driving past so many coastal towns, it would be a shame not to stop off along the way for a paddle or to stretch your legs along the beach.
The seaside town of Dieppe is a beautiful spot, surrounded by many picturesque villages along the way.
What to see on the drive to Dieppe
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
The Guillame Towers are a must-see site in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
An hour from Dieppe, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is one of the three Somme ports, and a popular tourist spot. Many tourists spend their time walking through the narrow streets, seeing the fishermen's colourful cottages or taking in the Medieval buildings that still stand on the streets.
If visiting Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, you must take the time to see the Guillame Towers, which act as an imposing stone gateway to the town. As well as taking in the tourist sites, you should also visit the market, on either a Wednesday or a Sunday.
Mers-les-Bains
The Belle Époque style villas along the seafront are legendary.
One of the most famous periods of French history, Belle Epoque is a huge feature of Mers-les-Bains. The intricate timber design, the narrow towers and windows can be seen on the seafront villas. The villas were built for the wealthy, just as the trend for sunbathing had begun, and they needed somewhere cutting edge to stay during the summer months.
The architectural gems don’t stop with the Belle Epoque villas. Stop by the art deco church, Saint Martin, to admire its symmetrical design and pretty brickwork. Mers-les-Bains is about 40 minutes from Dieppe and makes a perfect walking spot to break up the journey from Calais.
Le Treport
The white cliffs of Le Treport are famous for their stunning views.
At just over a half hour drive from Dieppe, Le Treport is a small port, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in flavour. Known for its seafood, it would be a real shame to miss out on the fresh catch of the day. Either stop off at a local restaurant, or stop by the harbour fish market if you can cook it yourself that evening.
Le Treport has a pebbled beach, ideal for those who want a relaxing beach holiday. It is also known for its white cliffs and the views that stretch out ahead. Locals recommend summer visitors to see the cliffs at night, when they are beautifully lit up.
Where to stop off to eat in Dieppe
Due to its close location to the sea, you must try the fresh seafood at Dieppe. Its local dish is its most famous, marmite dieppoise. A creamy stew, made with locally caught fish, muscles and prawns. Where better to try this delicacy than À La Marmite Dieppoise, an iconic local restaurant, that is famous for the stew.
Where to stop off to drink in Dieppe
When visiting an historic town, you should drink somewhere with a bit of history and character behind it. Café des Tribunaux was once the haunt of artists such as Sickert, Renoir and Monet, and is even the subject of a painting by Sickert. Its connection to high art doesn't stop there, and it's rumoured that Oscar Wilde himself wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol whilst drinking there.
Where to stay when driving to Dieppe
If you're looking to extend your road trip to Dieppe, and want to spend a bit more time exploring the locations on the way there, then Hotel Les Pilotes is a great place to stop off. This boutique comes with free parking, stylish rooms and is located on the beachfront, so you will always be near the peaceful water.
Weather in Dieppe
The sights from Château de Dieppe make the climb worth it.
Dieppe isn't famed for its scorching summers; its average hottest summer temperature is 18°C in August. Its lowest temperature is in December, at 8°C but expect temperatures to drop as low as 3°C. As for rainfall, in January there could be 80ml of rain.
Does a road trip to Dieppe sound like your ideal holiday? It's only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, and if you book your tickets with us early you'll get the best deal.
Getting there and around
It is just over two hours from the LeShuttle Calais Terminal to Dieppe, but do be aware that this route contains toll roads, so have your Euros ready!
In Calais, get on the A16 and continue to Route de Bosc Geffroy and exit on A28. Follow D920 to D925 in Dieppe.
There are plenty of free car parking spots in Dieppe. Quai de la Marne, Quai de Carénage and Rue de Ravelin are all free. Be aware that during the winter months you can't park on the streets at night, and your car may be towed or fined if you do.