Dieppe

Explores the history, traditions and cuisine of Dieppe in Normandy, in the north of France.

Dieppe’s long and chequered past has always been linked to people and events from across the seas. The very word ‘Dieppe’ comes from a Viking expression meaning ‘deep harbour’.
The close-knit community remains very devout. Every May, after a special church service, the fleet is blessed during the annual Festival of the Seas.
From the 14th to the 16th centuries, Dieppe was the starting point for countless voyages of exploration and adventure to the New World. This secured the city’s fame and prosperity.
Dieppe’s famous castle, built around a massive circular tower, was the heart of the city’s defences in former times. Today it houses the Municipal Museum with its vast collection of charts, instruments and models illustrating Dieppe’s rich maritime past.
Dieppe is ranked first in France when it comes to the preparation of scallops. A local chef, Michel Mourny, shows us how he prepares Coquilles Saint-Jacques,
Some of Dieppe’s famous events and festivals include a pudding fair, the bonfire of Saint Claire on July 16 in honour of the patron saint, and the Fair of the Holy Cross where horse breeders meet to race amidst much merry making.
Another tradition kept alive in Dieppe is folk dancing with local dancers reviving dances of the Middle Ages, performing across France and neighbouring countries. One of Dieppe’s traditional crafts is lace making.
Another famous seafood recipe from Dieppe is prepared with sole and mullet called ‘sole et rouget au jus de viande’, sole and mullet served in a meat sauce with potato puree. A local chef takes us through the preparation of this dish.