"Amapola's Dieppe Page" a Dieppe Travel Page by amapola66

Headed off to this lovely little French town for a weekend visit with the Small Person and the Godparents..We travelled on the 7.30 Seacat from Newhaven (Nr Brighton) - This journey is normally 2 hours (4 hours by ferry) .

On this occasion, the sea was rough and there was a thick fog. Visability was nil. When the Captain of the Seacat welcomed us with 'Good Morning and welcome to the roller coaster ride to Dieppe' we wondered what on earth was in store for us. We also were advised not to drink fizzy drinks or eat sweets and cakes by a steward. The journey started out as a gentle rolling from side to side, slowly progressing to a full on rock once in the open sea. Godparent 1 and the Small Person spent the entire journey on the deck, huddled together (it was not warm, although it was August), I sat right in the middle of the boat with other Godparent trying to tell ourselves we were not feeling sick. People were throwing up in the loos and we were very grateful to arrive in Dieppe some 3 hours later bedraggled but reasonably intact.

Once recovered, we checked into the Hotel Windsor and went out for some great food in a local restaurant near the hotel. We spent the weekend eating huge meals (especially good if you like fish and seafood), drinking some great wine and generally soaking up the Normandy culture.

The beach is rather stoney, like Brighton beach, but has a wild quality that I rather like. There is a fairground on the seafront in the summer months which the Small Person enjoyed.

It's a very relaxed town, better suited to eating, than clubbing and perfect for a weekend family break with the kids.

(pics copyright amapola 2005)

One of our best times was had after climbing up through the castle and the views of Dieppe were spectacular (see things to do tips).

A passing French photographer took a shot of the Small Person and I too, I wonder where it ended up?

There were some very inspiring images all round really...