Normandy Day Trips from Dieppe: Complete Guide 2026

Arrived in Dieppe and wondering what to explore? This comprehensive guide covers the best day trips from Dieppe, all within 1-2 hours’ drive. From the dramatic white cliffs of Étretat to the D-Day beaches, historic Rouen to the charming harbour of Honfleur, discover Normandy’s treasures from your Dieppe base.

After stepping off the ferry, you’re perfectly positioned to explore Normandy’s most iconic destinations. Whether you have one day or a whole week, whether you’re driving or using public transport, this guide helps you plan unforgettable Normandy day trips.

Last updated: January 2026 | All distances and times verified

🗺️ Day Trips at a Glance

Major Destinations

1-2hrs

Drive from Dieppe

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Public Transport Options

6-8hrs

Typical Day Trip

✅ Dramatic cliffs & coastal beauty – Étretat’s natural arches
✅ Medieval history & culture – Rouen’s cathedral & old town
✅ WWII history – D-Day landing beaches & memorials
✅ Charming French towns – Honfleur’s picture-perfect harbour

Featured Day Trip Destinations

These four destinations represent the best day trips from Dieppe, each offering something unique and all easily reachable within 1 to 2 hours.

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Étretat: Dramatic White Cliffs & Natural Arches

Distance

82 km (51 miles)

Drive Time

1 hour 30 mins

Time Needed

4-6 hours

Best For

Nature lovers

Why Visit: Normandy’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Three dramatic white chalk arches carved by the sea (Porte d’Aval, Porte d’Amont, Manneporte), cliff-top walks with breathtaking Channel views, and the charming pebble beach village that inspired Monet. The Aiguille (Needle) rock formation rises 55 meters from the sea.

What to Do:

Climb Falaise d’Aval – Walk from beach promenade to clifftop for incredible arch views (30-45 mins)
Les Jardins d’Étretat – Modern sculpture gardens with stunning coastal panoramas (€12 entry, 1-2 hours)
Pebble beach – Relax on the beach between the two cliffs
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde – Clifftop chapel with sweeping views
Village wandering – Browse shops, cafés, restaurants in this picturesque fishing village

Getting There: Drive via A150/D925 (1 hour 30 mins) OR take bus/train via Rouen (3+ hours with transfers – complex for day trip)

Best For Day Trip: Car recommended. Public transport possible but takes 3+ hours each way leaving minimal time at destination.

Read Complete Étretat Guide →

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Rouen: Medieval Capital of Normandy

Distance

64 km (40 miles)

Drive Time

60 minutes

Time Needed

5-7 hours

Best For

History buffs

Why Visit: Normandy’s historic capital with 2,000 years of history. The Gothic cathedral that Monet painted 30 times, medieval half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, Joan of Arc sites (she was executed here in 1431), and excellent museums. Rouen is like stepping into a medieval painting.

What to Do:

Cathédrale Notre-Dame – Magnificent Gothic cathedral (Monet’s inspiration), free entry (2 hours)
Old Town (Vieux Rouen) – Wander cobbled streets with 600+ half-timbered medieval houses
Joan of Arc sites – Place du Vieux-Marché (execution site), Joan of Arc Church, Joan of Arc Museum
Gros-Horloge – Medieval astronomical clock on stunning Renaissance arch, climb tower for city views
Musée des Beaux-Arts – Excellent art museum with works by Monet, Caravaggio, Velázquez
Lunch on terraces – Dozens of cafés and restaurants in Place du Vieux-Marché

Getting There: Drive via D915 (60 mins) OR frequent trains from Dieppe (50 mins, €12-18)

Best For Day Trip: Excellent by train OR car. Train is easier (no parking stress in city center).

Read Complete Rouen Guide →

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D-Day Beaches: WWII History & Memorials

Distance

170-200 km

Drive Time

2-2.5 hours

Time Needed

Full day (8-10 hrs)

Best For

WWII history

Why Visit: The beaches where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, changing the course of WWII. Visit Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery (9,000+ white crosses), Pointe du Hoc (cliff assault site), and numerous museums and memorials. A profoundly moving and essential historical experience.

What to Do:

Omaha Beach – Most famous landing beach, walk the sand where 2,400 Americans landed
American Cemetery – 9,388 white marble crosses overlooking Omaha Beach (moving memorial)
Pointe du Hoc – Cliff-scaling assault site, still has bomb craters and German bunkers
Utah Beach Museum – Excellent museum at the westernmost landing beach
Arromanches – Remnants of Mulberry artificial harbour still visible in sea
German bunkers – Explore preserved Atlantic Wall fortifications

Getting There: Car essential (2-2.5 hours to Omaha Beach). Beaches spread over 80km coastline – public transport not practical for day trip.

Best For Day Trip: Car only. Consider guided tour from Bayeux (closer base). Long day from Dieppe but doable for determined visitors.

💡 Alternative: Dieppe itself has D-Day history – the Dieppe Raid of August 19, 1942. Visit the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery and 19 August 1942 Memorial in Dieppe itself if D-Day beaches are too far.

Read Complete D-Day Beaches Guide →

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Honfleur: Picture-Perfect Harbour Town

Distance

118 km (73 miles)

Drive Time

1 hour 15 mins

Time Needed

4-6 hours

Best For

Charm seekers

Why Visit: One of France’s most beautiful harbour towns. The Vieux Bassin (old dock) is surrounded by tall, narrow, slate-roofed buildings reflected in the water – pure postcard perfection. Cobbled streets, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and France’s largest wooden church make Honfleur utterly charming.

What to Do:

Vieux Bassin – The iconic harbour, lined with 17th-century buildings (perfect photos!)
Église Sainte-Catherine – France’s largest wooden church, built by shipwrights (free entry)
Saturday market – Excellent local market 9am-12:30pm (get there early, it’s popular)
Art galleries – Dozens of galleries in narrow streets (Boudin Museum showcases impressionist art)
Seafood lunch – Harborside restaurants serving fresh oysters, mussels, fish
Cobbled streets – Wander the picturesque half-timbered streets around the harbour

Getting There: Drive via Pont de Normandie bridge (1 hour 15 mins, toll bridge €5.70) OR complicated bus/train combo (not recommended for day trip)

Best For Day Trip: Car recommended. Can combine with Deauville beach visit (20 mins from Honfleur).

Read Complete Honfleur Guide →

Planning Your Day Trip

Here’s everything you need to know to plan successful day trips from Dieppe, whether you’re renting a car or using public transport.

Car vs Public Transport

Destination	By Car	Public Transport	Recommended
Étretat	✅ 1h 30m direct	⚠️ 3+ hours via Rouen	🚗 Car essential
Rouen	✅ 60 mins direct	✅ 50 mins by train	🚂 Train easiest
D-Day Beaches	✅ 2-2.5 hours	❌ Not practical	🚗 Car only
Honfleur	✅ 1h 15m direct	⚠️ Complex transfers	🚗 Car strongly advised

🚗 Renting a Car in Dieppe

Why rent a car: Maximum flexibility, visit remote destinations (Étretat, Honfleur, D-Day beaches), see multiple places in one day, carry luggage/shopping easily.

Where to rent: Dieppe has car rental offices near the port and train station. Book online in advance for best rates (€40-80/day).

Requirements: Valid UK/EU driving license (UK license valid in France), credit card, minimum age 21-25 depending on company.

Parking: Most destinations have paid parking (€1-2/hour). Arrive early to secure spots in popular tourist areas like Étretat.

Sample Day Trip Itineraries

⛰️ Étretat Day Trip

08:30 – Depart Dieppe by car

10:00 – Arrive Étretat, park near beach

10:15 – Climb Falaise d’Aval cliff walk

12:00 – Seafood lunch overlooking beach

14:00 – Visit Les Jardins d’Étretat

16:00 – Explore village & shops

17:00 – Return drive to Dieppe

🏛️ Rouen Day Trip

09:15 – Train from Dieppe (50 mins)

10:05 – Arrive Rouen, walk to cathedral

10:30 – Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

12:00 – Wander old town medieval streets

13:00 – Lunch at Place du Vieux-Marché

14:30 – Joan of Arc sites & Gros-Horloge

16:00 – Musée des Beaux-Arts

17:30 – Return train to Dieppe

🎖️ D-Day Beaches

07:00 – Early depart Dieppe by car

09:30 – Arrive Omaha Beach

10:00 – American Cemetery visit

11:30 – Pointe du Hoc cliff site

13:00 – Lunch in Bayeux

14:30 – Utah Beach Museum

16:30 – Begin return drive

19:00 – Arrive back Dieppe

Day Trip Tips & Essentials

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Start Early

Leave Dieppe by 8-9am to maximize time at destination. Popular sites (Étretat, Honfleur) get crowded after 11am.

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Navigation

Download offline maps (Google Maps offline feature). French road signs excellent but GPS helpful. Free WiFi at most cafés.

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Cash & Cards

Cards widely accepted. Carry €20-40 cash for parking meters, market purchases, small cafés. ATMs available in all destinations.

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Lunch Planning

French lunch 12:30-14:00. Book popular restaurants ahead (Étretat, Honfleur). Budget €15-25 per person for good meal.

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Comfortable Shoes

Expect lots of walking. Étretat cliff walks, Rouen cobbled streets, D-Day beaches all need good shoes. Bring layers for weather.

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Check Opening Times

Museums/attractions often close Mondays or Tuesdays. Rouen cathedral free but may close for services. Plan around opening hours.

Multi-Day vs Single Day Trips

Deciding whether to do day trips from Dieppe or stay overnight near your destination? Here’s guidance based on your situation.

✅ Day Trips Work Best If:

You have accommodation in Dieppe already
Visiting only 1-2 destinations
Want to minimize packing/unpacking
Prefer one base for entire stay
Going to close destinations (Rouen, Étretat)
Short trip (2-4 days total)

⚠️ Consider Staying Overnight If:

Visiting D-Day beaches (base in Bayeux)
Want to see 3+ destinations thoroughly
Longer trip (5+ days in Normandy)
Want evening atmosphere (Honfleur at night)
Prefer shorter daily drives
Travelling with children (less driving)

Suggested Multi-Day Touring Base Sequence

If you’re planning 5+ days in Normandy and want to see everything:

Days 1-2: Base in Dieppe
Day trips to Dieppe itself, Rouen (train), Étretat (car)

Days 3-4: Base in Honfleur or Bayeux
Explore Honfleur, Deauville, and access to D-Day beaches from Bayeux

Day 5: Return via scenic coast
Stop at coastal towns on return drive to Dieppe/ferry

This minimizes driving while maximizing sightseeing. Each base gives access to 2-3 major attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do day trips from Dieppe without a car?

Rouen is excellent by train (50 minutes, frequent departures, €12-18). However, Étretat, Honfleur, and D-Day beaches are difficult without a car. Étretat requires 3+ hours each way by bus/train with transfers. Honfleur has no train station. D-Day beaches are spread over 80km coastline. For these three, car rental strongly recommended. If car-free, focus on Rouen and spend more time exploring Dieppe itself.

Which is the best day trip from Dieppe?

For first-time visitors: Rouen (easiest by train, superb medieval city, cathedral, Joan of Arc history). For nature lovers: Étretat (dramatic cliff walks, most spectacular scenery in Normandy). For WWII history: D-Day beaches (powerful historical experience, requires full day and car). For charm & photos: Honfleur (picturesque harbour, perfect for relaxed wandering). Each offers something completely different, so choose based on your interests.

How much should I budget for a day trip?

By train (Rouen): €12-18 train + €15-25 lunch + €10-15 museum/attractions = €40-60 per person. By car (Étretat/Honfleur): €15-20 fuel + €5-10 parking + €15-25 lunch + €10-15 attractions = €50-70 per person (split fuel if multiple passengers). D-Day beaches: €30-40 fuel + €10 parking + €20-30 lunch + €10-15 museums = €70-95 per person. Add €40-80/day if renting car.

Can I visit multiple destinations in one day?

Possible but rushed. Realistic combination: Honfleur + Deauville (20 minutes apart, 3 hours each = manageable). Too ambitious: Étretat + Rouen + Honfleur (requires 4-5 hours driving alone, not enough time to properly see each). Better approach: Choose one main destination per day trip, enjoy it thoroughly without rushing. If you have multiple days, do one destination per day and actually experience each place rather than just “ticking boxes.”

Do I need to speak French for day trips?

Not essential but helpful. Tourist areas (Étretat, Honfleur, Rouen) have English-speaking staff at major attractions and restaurants. Learn basics: “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), “Parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?), “L’addition s’il vous plaît” (the bill please). Google Translate app works offline if you download French. French people appreciate effort even if you speak badly – trying goes a long way!

Is Dieppe a good base for Normandy day trips?

Yes, for northern/central Normandy. Dieppe offers: ferry arrival port (easy logistics), less touristy than Bayeux, good access to Rouen (45 mins), Étretat (1h 20m), Honfleur (1h 15m), authentic French port town experience, cheaper accommodation than tourist hotspots. Limitations: D-Day beaches are distant (2+ hours), Mont Saint-Michel too far for day trip (3+ hours). Verdict: Excellent base if you arrived by ferry and want to explore northern Normandy coast and Rouen. Not ideal if D-Day beaches are your main priority (base in Bayeux instead).

Ready to Explore Normandy?

Dieppe positions you perfectly to discover Normandy’s treasures. Whether you have one day or a week, these day trips showcase the best of this historic and beautiful region.