Fecamp or Dieppe

[johnalison]

Dieppe doesn't have the charm that it used to have when ferries came into the town harbour and trains ran alongside the dock, but it's a nice town with some decent eateries. The castle museum is worth visiting too, the town once being famous for its ivory carving, and with a good art gallery. Fecamp feels a bit spread out in comparison but the Benedictine museum, if it is still going, is good for a laugh. St Valery is nicer than either and easy enough with the right tide. There are fine cliff walks in all three places. Le Tréport is a sort of poor man's Ramsgate.

 

[vyv_cox]

We like St Valery. It's a long time since we berthed there but we often park the motorhome there, along with many others.

 

[Sea Devil]

Both St Valery and Fecamp are tidal ports and require planning... Dieppe is any time and any weather... St Valery can be challenging and Fecamp should be avoided anywhere around low water..

I am thinking of moving to Dieppe.. Really interesting history and where all those Canadians got killed on a pre D day landing attempt. Lots of little memorials around the port area. Fecamp is a bit run down and St Valery needs very careful timing but is pretty with a little historic train running around it and a charming system of self drive boats to get you from the visitors pontoon to shore

 

[johnalison]

I think we may be talking about different St Valerys. I thought I was referring to St V en Caux which is a charming harbour halfway between Fecamp and Dieppe where the 51st Highland Division had the misfortune to be left to struggle against Rommel after Dunkirk. St V sur Somme is another charming place but east of Le Tréport. We only went there once and didn't find getting in particularly difficult, but leaving was a different matter!

 

[Iliade]

Fecamp: The swell in the entrance can be truly breathtaking. But watch and learn from the ~100 y.o. local tourist fishing boat taking it nice and slowly as they amble in and out and you will never be trapped in there again.

At least so long as it isn't actually breaking rollers coming in...

 

[harry potter]

Both good in their way. Dieppe marina is a bit tiresome, with most berths occupied by residents, in the French manner. The town is pleasant and we have eaten well at Le Newhaven nearby. The castle museum and gallery is worth a visit too.

You won't want to be entering Fecamp at LW springs but it is more friendly. It is yonks since I went to the Benedictine museum but it is quite fun even if the drink isn't. If you get a chance, you shouldn't miss St Valery en Caux.

Restaurant du Port , Valery en Caux, looks well worth a visit. Even by bus.