Destination Dieppe

We hadn't really considered Dieppe as a destination, having last been through there from the Newhaven ferry some 40 years ago, but since we were staying just up the coast we thought we'd take a look around the town.

 

The ferries stopped running in the. early 2000's  and the inner port is now a marina surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants. At the far end of town stood on a high promontory is the Musee Chateau de Dieppe, well worth a visit and with great views over the town and out across the bay.
 

Nearby we came across this place, it's not clear if it's a shop or a museum or a mixture since a lot of items were for sale, some really interesting stuff.

The old town is given over to a lot of boutique shops catering to tourists with an eye to high fashion items.

Some old buildings dating back right up to the ramparts of the chateau, in the center I think that's the Church of St Jacques, twelfth century gothic which was a stage for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela - the modern day Camino.

Clearly the local classic boat restoration club has it's work cut out with this one.

Interior of St Jacques are these amazing crarved stone screens to many of the side chapels, which are an indication of the wealth of the port in former years.

Not all working boats are waiting restoration, this local lugger was operating day sailing.

 As well and the inevitable tourist cafes and bars, there were more than a few authentic places to eat clearly catering to locals, and as you would expect really good fish menus. All in all a very pleasant surprise and well worth a visit.