Dieppe

Dieppe is a coastal commune in the Normandy region of northern France, and a sub-prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department. It sits on the English Channel at the mouth of the Arques river, forming part of the Pays de Caux. The coastline features chalk cliffs and a pebble beach, with the historic town center located inland from the harbour.

Historically a fishing town and port, Dieppe developed as a major cross-Channel trading centre from the Middle Ages onward. The town preserved a medieval core, a castle, and a harbour that later expanded to accommodate passenger and freight traffic. Dieppe is also known for its faience pottery produced in the 17th and 18th centuries and for the Dieppe School, an informal tradition of ceramic painting.

During World War II, Dieppe was the site of the 1942 Dieppe Raid (Operation Jubilee), an Allied assault against the German forces, which resulted in heavy casualties and influenced later amphibious operations.

Today Dieppe's economy combines fishing, port activity, light industry, and tourism. The port provides ferry services to Newhaven, England, and supports a marina and commercial traffic. The town attracts visitors to its maritime museum, the Château de Dieppe, and its seaside promenade. The area is also known for its scenic coastline along the Alabaster Coast and for preserved historic architecture, including timber-framed houses in the old town.

The commune has a population of around 34,000 residents. It serves as an administrative centre for the surrounding area.