Cité de la Mer (Museum of the Sea)

The Cité de la Mer will explain through a series of exhibitions and demonstrations the history of ship building and fishing, and the geology of the coastline. Attractions include the ‘bottomless’ aquarium, which is the deepest in Europe, a 10m vertical aquarium, 16 other aquariums, a touch pool; and Le Redoutable, the world’s largest submarine which is open to the public.

Church of Saint Jacques

The original church was built at the end of the 12th century and was used to greet English pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Following a fire a hundred years later, the church was rebuilt and the oldest part of the current church, the lantern tower, now dates back to the 14th century. Inside there is a chapel dedicated to the ‘Canadian Martyrs’ where a modern stained glass window represents two Dieppe priests being killed by Mohawk Indians in 1648.

Church of Saint Rémy

The Church of Saint Rémy has been in existence since the 11th century although the current building was constructed in the 16th century. It was partly destroyed the day before Dieppe was liberated in August 1994 when the Germans, who were using it as an arms dump, blew it up. It has now been restored and is open to public for special occasions.

Further Afield

Rouen

Some 40 miles from Dieppe, the ancient city of Rouen is the capital of Normandy and attracts many visitors who come to enjoy its rich heritage and beautiful architecture. There are many attractions including the Place du Vieux-Marché, the square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431, the Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame, probably one of France’s most beautiful religious buildings, the Gros Horloge, the 16th century big clock which still keeps perfect time, and the Museum of Fine Arts which includes many works by Monet, Renoir and Alfred Sisley.