Woodland camping near Dieppe
France’s first seaside resort is still a favourite for coastal campers.
- Dieppe
Popular camping styles for Dieppe
Woodland camping near Dieppe guide
Overview
With its soaring white chalk sea cliffs, mediaeval castle, and long pebble beach, Dieppe has all the makings of a Normandy seaside resort―in fact, the town officially became France’s first resort town back in 1824. Today, cross-channel ferries from Newhaven in the UK make Dieppe a popular choice for British campers and caravanners, who join locals to explore the beaches and quays, browse the award-winning Saturday market, and fly a kite along the coast (Dieppe’s annual Kite Festival is world-famous). There are plenty of camping options in and around town, from rural Hipcamps to 4-star holiday parks.
Where to go
Alabaster Coast
From the historic port city of Le Havre past the towering white cliffs of Étretat all the way north to Dieppe, the Alabaster Coast is named for its striking chalk cliffs. Base yourself at a beachside campground in Le Tréport, Fécamp, and Veules-les-Roses, take to the water to cruise, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard, or hike along the clifftops between Cap d’Antifer and Etretat.
Seine River
Just an hour’s drive south of Dieppe, the Seine River flows through the Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande, a forested paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and campers. Follow the river west to the resort towns of Honfleur and Deauville, the star attractions of the “Côte Fleurie”―the “Floral Coast,” which blooms with wildflowers through the summer.
Eawy Forest (Fôret d’Eawy)
One of Normandy’s largest forests, the Fôret d’Eawy, lies just south of Dieppe and affords endless options for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Pitch your tent or park your campervan at a shady campground in the heart of the woods, then escape to the wilderness to spot deer, wild boar, and wildlife.
When to go
Summer brings the crowds to Dieppe through July and August, while the annual International Kite Festival, held in September, is the city’s flagship event. The main camping season is April through October, and many campgrounds close over winter, but don't put off a low-season visit altogether. As a working port, Dieppe is lively all year-round, and you’ll find caravan parks and Hipcamps that stay open through all four seasons.
