15+ Ways To Get The Most Out of a Greek Isles' Cruise

 Patmos (photo: J.Carnegie)

By Jacquelin Carnegie 
While a cruise through the Greek Isles is a wonderful experience, here are some things to consider in your planning.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP

1. Stay a While on an Isle - The ships only stop for a few hours in each port-of-call. Research the isles and pick one or two that you'd like to spend more time on. Some of the cruise lines let you stay a few days on certain islands, than pick you up with the next sailing, a few days later.
2. Save Time - You can get more time out of your holiday by flying (or taking a fast ferry) to the first island you'll visit, then picking up the cruise.
3. Research Itineraries - There are many islands from the most popular (i.e., Santorini, Rhodes, Crete) to ones you never heard of. Review the cruise itineraries carefully before you decide. You might get more out of visiting just a few.

(photo: JCarnegie)

4. Book a Local Guide - Instead of taking the shore excursions organized by the ship, do some research beforehand. For a more authentic port visit, hire a local guide for a private tour (the cost could be shared by other passengers you meet onboard).
5. Enriching Experience - In addition to all the wonderful discoveries you'll make in the various ports-of-call, many cruise lines offer onboard seminars & lectures by distinguished experts highlighting the historical aspects. If this is important to you, be sure to inquire if your cruise line provides onboard enrichment seminars.
6. Seasonal Savings - Most Greek Isles' cruises run March through October; consider going in spring or fall to avoid the busier and hotter summer months.
7. Greek Specialists - Booking a trip online is not always easier and cheaper. If a Greek Isles' cruise is on your "Bucket List," get the most out of the experience by consulting with a travel agent who specializes in Greece.
8. Crowd Control - There are several cruise lines to choose from. In addition to cost, be sure to factor in the number of passengers onboard. (Do you want to sail with 7 others, or 70, or 700 to 2,000?)
9. Ask Around - Another very important consideration is the friendliness of the crew and the quality of service. Ask everyone you know who's done a Greek Isles' cruise for recommendations. (You can also check the reviews & message board on www.cruisecritic.com.)

Santorini

10. Travel Wisely - Find out what type of passengers the cruise line caters to: families, sophisticated couples, etc. If you're traveling with your kids, inquire about activities for children. If you want peace & quiet on your vacation, make sure the boat will not be packed with kids.
11. Built-In Value - Part of the appeal of cruising is the all-inclusive concept. The price includes your stateroom, all onboard meals & snacks, activities, parties & entertainment. Extra expenses will be for drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as a massage or a new hairdo. Find out the price of these "extras" before you go.
12. Become Informed - It may seem obvious, but be sure to inquire about the ship's policy on: Smoking/Non-Smoking; Wi-Fi availability; special dietary needs. And, just in case, to avoid seasickness get a prescription for the patch (Transderm Scop). 

Lindos, Rhodes (photo: J.Carnegie)

13. Divine Destinations - Before or after the cruise, be sure to leave time to see other truly-spectacular parts of Greece such as Athens, Olympia, and Delphi.
14. Turkish Delights - The Greek Isles are very close to Turkey. Some of the cruises even begin and end there. Consider adding a visit or organized tour to Istanbul and some of Turkey's other magnificent sites.
The Greek Isles
15. Historical Highlights - All the islands have lovely, little towns to explore, stunning views, and beautiful beaches. But, be sure to select a cruise itinerary that stops at some with not-to-be-missed historical sites: 

Knossos, Crete (photo: J.Carnegie)

Crete: Tour the fascinating ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the seat of ancient Minoan culture (and some would like to believe the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos). Continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period until Roman times, the grandeur of the site helps you appreciate how elaborate the culture once was. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion displays artifacts from Crete's archaeological sites including splendid examples of ceremonial items, pottery, sculpture, and gold jewelry.
Santorini: While this island is famous for ritzy shopping and towns of striking, whitewashed houses with blue roofs and trim, Santorini is also home to some of the most important archaeological sites of the Aegean. Visit the ruins of Ancient Thira and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which displays excavation finds including ones from the late Minoan City of Akrotiri. 

Santorini, Thira

Santorini, Akrotiri

St. John, Patmos

Rhodes: Wander through the Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Palace of the Grand Masters, there are impressive ancient mosaics, statuary, and ceramics. Then, visit the breathtaking Acropolis at Lindos with ruins from classical times and spectacular views of the surrounding sea.
Patmos: This Island is known as the site of St. John the Divine's apocalyptic revelations, where it is believed that the Book of Revelation was written in 95AD. During his exile from the Roman Empire, St. John lived in a grotto in the town of Chorá that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as is the Monastery of St. John, with priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury; both are open to visitors.
Booking Your Trip:
Find a Travel Agent who specializes in Greece & Greek Isles' cruises.

Lindos, Rhodes

Celestyal (formerly Louis Cruises) - An affordable cruise line with very friendly crews. If you'd like to spend more time on a specific island, contact them to discuss your options. (They also have hotels on a few of the islands and can help you arrange your stay. They can also add tours in Greece & Turkey.)
Orpheus Yachts - If you can afford it, consider sailing through the Greek Isles on a private yacht!
Karavan Travel - Tours in Turkey. However you go, be sure to do some research beforehand to get the most out of your trip.

10+ Artsy & Cool Reasons to Visit Valencia, Spain

Centro Historico

By Jacquelin Carnegie 

Valencia is one of those "hidden gems" worth discovering on your next trip to Spain. Just a few hours south of Barcelona, Valencia is a charming small city with stunning architecture and friendly people on Spain's Mediterranean coast. In addition to all the city has to offer, it's situated in the region of Valencia (Comunitat Valenciana), which has everything from mountain retreats to popular beach resorts. The weather in the area is splendid spring, summer, and fall, so almost anytime is a good time to visit.
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE CITY: ARCHITECTURE & NEIGHBORHOODS
Spain's third largest city has a fascinating history. As a result, Valencia is a beautiful mélange of architectural marvels from Romanesque façades to castle-like Gothic structures, to ornate Baroque residences, and Modernist buildings from the city's expansion, beginning in the late 19th century.

Cathedral, Plaza de la Virgen

Walking & Bike Tours (Valencia Guias, Tel: +34 963 851 740; www.valenciaguias.com): One of the pure joys of being in Valencia is simply walking or, if you prefer, biking around and exploring all the neighborhoods. The experience is richer when accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Marvel at all the wonderful examples of architectural styles within the  Centro Histórico (Historic Center), including the Ciutat Vella (Old Town), and El Carmen area, formally rundown but now flourishing with restaurants, clubs, and nightlife. When the walls surrounding Valencia’s old town were demolished in 1865, a new neighborhood was created--admire the elegant, Modernist buildings in Ensanche and check out Ruzafa, a working-class, ethnically-diverse section, that is becoming the city's hippest area.

Mercado Central

VALENCIA'S FOOD SPECIALTIES
The Valencia region is famous for its produce such as oranges and rice and wonderful food including Spain's most famous dish, Paella, and a local drink, Horchata.
Restaurant Week (Cuina Oberta) - Twice a year in spring and fall. With more than 50 restaurants participating, it's a great time to eat some Paella, said to originate from Valencia. Here, the pan of saffron-flavored rice is served with chunks of rabbit, chicken, snails, and vegetables (not seafood). Enjoy some at Palace Fesol (7 Hernán Cortés).
Horchatería Santa Catalina (6 Plaza de Santa Catalina; www.horchateriasantacatalina.com) Try this typical Valencian snack: Horchata, a cold, creamy, sweet drink made from chufas (tiger nuts), often served with Fartons, pastries covered with powdered sugar.

Mercado Central (Plaza Ciudad de Brujas; http://bit.ly/1oUSYe3) One of the largest food markets in Europe, it's a stunning example of Modernist architecture. Built in 1914, locals still buy groceries here.
Mercado de Colón (19 Calle Jorge Juan; www.mercadocolon.es) Another beautiful Modernist structure, this former food market opened in 1916. Today, it's an upscale mall with shops, cafes, and interesting restaurants such as Ma Khin Café. Concerts are also held in the atrium.
Original CV - Shop at one of these stores (or online) for authentic, Valencian food & gift items to bring home.
FANTASTICAL FESTIVALS

Las Fallas

Valencia is also famous for its exceptional festivals throughout the year. Here are two of the zaniest: Las Fallas (March) - Huge Ninots (puppets) depicting satirical scenes--often mocking politicians and celebrities--are filled with fireworks and set on fire. In addition to the pyrotechnics, the weeklong extravaganza includes bullfights, parades, contests, and general merriment. La Tomatina (August) - This tomato-throwing contest, in the nearby town of Buñol, began in 1945. Now, this crazy tradition is a weeklong festival with music, parades, dancing, a big Paella cook-off, and fireworks. (Advanced tickets required.)
PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC, occupied by Muslims for hundreds of years, then became part of the medieval kingdom of Aragon in 1238. During the 15th century, it was one of the most important Mediterranean cities. Today, the city's past is present as it moves into the future. Here's just a few of the wondrous sites to be visited: 

Museo Arqueológico de La Almoina (Plaza de La Almoina; http://bit.ly/190Xl1S) This museum, on the site where Valencia was founded, offers an exploration of the city's history through excavated ruins from various periods. Archaeological finds include Roman baths, Visigoth tombs, and a Moorish courtyard.

Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)

La Lonja de la Seda (8-9 Plaza del Mercado; http://bit.ly/1M4LPBM)
This splendid Gothic-style mercantile palace was built in the 15th century to symbolize Valencia's wealth and power. Merchants came from all over to trade here--oil, then silk, followed by agricultural products. Now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plaza de Toros (28 Calle de Xàtiva; www.torosvalencia.com) Bullfights (corridas) still take place in Valencia. If that's not your thing, the beautiful Plaza de Toros amphitheater, built in 1859, is also used as a concert venue. Take a tour of the ring and adjacent museum.

City of Arts & Sciences

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (Avenida Autopista del Saler; Tel: +34 902 100 031; cac.es) Designed by native-son, architect Santiago Calatrava, the stunning City of Arts & Sciences is a 21st-century, architectural marvel. The complex includes: Museo de las Cièncias Príncipe Felipe - a family-friendly science museum; Oceanografic - a marine park & one of Europe’s largest aquariums; Hemisfèric - Auditorium & Planetarium; Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía - a spectacular opera house; Umbracle - a beautiful, covered garden. Plan plenty of time to explore it all.
Palau de la Música (30 Paseo de la Alameda; www.palaudevalencia.com) Valencia's concert hall is known for its wonderful acoustics. Some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world perform here.
SENSATIONAL CERAMICS

Arturo Mora ceramics

The region of Valencia is renowned for ceramics. In addition to these museums, be sure to visit the nearby, world-famous-for-ceramics town of Manises.
Museo Nacional de Cerámica de Valencia González Martí (2 Poeta Querol; http://bit.ly/1DnHGEV) Housed in a beautiful, 15th-century palace, the museum traces the history of ceramics from prehistoric pieces to contemporary works by Picasso.
Lladró Museum (Ctra. de Alboraya, Tavernes Blanques; Tel: +34 963 187 000; http://bit.ly/1A2Qcqw) Lladró figurines are beloved world-over. At the headquarters in the Tavernas Blanques suburb, see the family's private collection since the 1953 beginning and take a factory tour to observe how everything's made. (Reservations required.)

Bioparc

PARKS & REC
Beach Day: As a costal city, Valencia has beautiful beaches just a metro ride away from the center of town. Stroll along Paseo Marítimo, the lovely beachfront promenade lined with cafés and restaurants, as you soak up the sun.

Paseo Maritimo, Valencia's beachfront

A Walk in the Park: When the flood-prone river Turia, surrounding the city of Valencia, was diverted, the riverbed was turned into parkland. The Jardín del Turia (Turia Gardens; locals still call it El Rio, the river) is the pride and joy of the city with jogging & cycling paths, gardens, fountains, & playgrounds.
Better Than a Zoo: Bioparc - Without leaving Valencia, be transported to an African wildlife sanctuary. If you're traveling with kids or just love animals, spend a day here watching antelopes, zebras, gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, warthogs, lions, and leopards, just to name a few, roam freely in natural habitats. Have a meal on the cafeteria terrace as giraffes stroll by!
DAY TRIPS: MANISES - Renowned for ceramics since the 14th century, with some 30 pottery workshops, many open to visitors--be sure to visit La Cerámica Valenciana & Arturo Mora. Manises is just a metro ride away from Valencia. SERGORBE - In the Valencian province of Castelló, Segorbe is famous for many things including a bull-running week (Semana de Toros) and fabulous olive oil, Belluga.
LEARN SPANISH AND/OR STUDY MUSIC

Spanish: The University of Valencia dates from 1499. While many high school and college students come here to study Spanish, there are also several language schools and programs that cater to adults. Music: The international campus of Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music is in Valencia. Both are great excuses to spend some time in this beautiful city! 
Making Your Trip Easier: Valencia Tourist Card - Unlimited travel on public transport, plus discounts at shops, restaurants and museums.
Where to Stay: There are any number of great places to stay from budget hostels (Nest) to lovely boutique hotels to five-star accommodations (Las Arenas, right on the beach) or vacation-rental apartments. AdHoc Monumental Hotel (4 Calle Boix, Tel: +34 963 919 140; www.adhochoteles.com) - This charming, boutique hotel with a delightful & helpful staff is right in the heart of the Old Town district.

Modernist building in Ruzafa

Getting There: Currently, there are no direct flights into Valencia from the U.S. Fly to Madrid with a connecting flight or take Spain’s high-speed train the AVE from Madrid's Atocha station to Valencia, about 90 minutes. Or, fly into Barcelona and take a local train. You can pre-purchase train tickets on RailEurope or Omio, a great site that cost compares flight, train, & bus options. Spain's national airlines, Iberia, has an excellent on-time record, new aircraft on long-haul flights, reconfigured Business class and, what feels like, a roomier Coach section as well. While Valencia is worth visiting all on its own, you can easily combine it with a trip to Madrid and/or Barcelona. Spain has so much to offer!

Dutch Treat: Discover New York City’s Dutch Sites -- Past & Present

By Jacquelin Carnegie

“View of New Amsterdam” 1664, Johannes Vingboons

Even though the Dutch were only in charge here for some 50 years back in the 1600s, they had a profound influence on the city. It’s said that the unique character of New York is a result of the entrepreneurial spirit and open-minded tolerance of the early Dutch settlers.

The Dutch made New York harbor one of the most prosperous ports in America and, some 400 years later, the city is still the most important metropolis in the world.
When the British took over in 1664, and New Amsterdam became New York (in honor of the Duke of York, King Charles II’s brother), many Dutch street and neighborhood names and historic sites remained as well as the original settlers. Today, Dutch influence is still felt throughout the city.

PAST: EXPLORE THE VESTIGES OF NEW YORK’S DUTCH PAST
Take a Walk on the Dutch Side
Although no Dutch buildings still exist from the New Amsterdam period (all were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1835), you can still walk some of the original streets:

Stone Street 

Back in the 1640s, the Dutch colonists laid out many narrow, dirt lanes such as South William Street (Slyck Steegh - muddy lane). Stone Street (Hoogh Straet - High Street) was the main drag in New Amsterdam, the first cobblestone-paved street in the city. The water’s edge was then a block away at Pearl Street (Paerlstraat), while Wall Street (Waal Straat) marked the end of town.
New Amsterdam had a remarkable number of taverns and that tradition is alive and well today on Stone Street. In nice weather (April-Nov), it resembles an outdoor beer garden with communal picnic tables in the street.
Go on a Walking Tour
Discover New York’s 17th-century Dutch roots on a guided or self-guided, walking tour. Learn about Dutch landmarks, architecture, monuments and street names:
Guided Tour: The Bowery Boys - New Amsterdam Tour: Dutch Roots of New York
How did the Dutch city of Nieuw Amsterdam become New York City?
On this 2-hour tour, walk along the original street grid & learn about the complex history of lower Manhattan in the 1600s.
Audio Self-Guided Tours: How Dutch is New York? - The New Amsterdam Tour & The Brooklyn Tour. New Amsterdam Trail: The 8 stops on this Trail commemorate the legendary journey of Henry Hudson in 1609 to what became New Amsterdam & then New York.

VISIT HISTORIC DUTCH SITES
These are some highlights that still exist from Dutch New York:

Van Cortlandt House Museum

Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
5816 Clarendon Rd, Brooklyn, NY; Tel: 718/629-5400; wyckoffmuseum.org 
A relic from the New Amsterdam period, the Wyckoff Farmhouse is probably the oldest, still-existing structure in New York City, dating back to 1652.
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Broadway at West 246th St; Tel: 718/543-3344; https://www.vchm.org
Built in 1748, on a plantation that is now the magnificent Van Cortlandt Park. The house is furnished to depict how it may have looked during the period from 1749 to 1823. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington stayed at the Van Cortlandt House, at least twice.
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum
4881 Broadway at 204th St; Tel: 212/304-9422; www.dyckmanfarmhouse.org 
This farmhouse, built by William Dyckman in about 1784, was once part of a thriving 250-acre farm. Learn about the transformation from farming community to urban neighborhood.

Stadt Huys (City Hall) 1642, 71 Pearl St; courtesy NYPL

St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery
131 East 10th St.; Tel: 212/674-6377; stmarksbowery.org 
This property, once owned by Peter Stuyvesant in 1660, it’s the oldest site of continuous worship in New York City.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
28 East 20th St.; Tel: 212/260-1616; www.nps.gov/thrb - The Roosevelt family was part of the original group of Dutch merchants who made their fortunes turning New York harbor into a prosperous port.

ADMIRE DUTCH ART

"Herman Doomer" Rembrandt, 1640;
The Met Museum

Dutch Masters on View: Works by renowned Dutch artists such as Frans Hals, Rembrandt, Vermeer, van Dyck and van Gogh are on exhibit at several NYC museums: The Frick (1 East 70th St; www.frick.org); The Met (1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St; www.metmuseum.org); MoMA (11 West 53 St; www.moma.org) - See work by modern Dutch artists such as Piet Mondrian, Willem de Kooning, and contemporary designers such as Hella Jongerius & Marcel Wanders. 
The Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St; www.mcny.org) - Timescapes, a documentary, traces the history and development of New York City over the past 400 years. 

PRESENT: NEW YORK’S DUTCH PAST CONTINUES
It’s only fitting that New York, that got its’ start from the Dutch, continues to benefit from “Dutch treats”:

“Stil Life” Floris van Schooten, 1630

Try Some Dutch Food
Typical Dutch Treats: Haring (herring), Krokets (croquettes), Gouda (cheese), Poffertjes (small pancakes), Stroopwafel (waffle-like cookies with caramel filling), and Indonesian Rijsttafel.
Russ & Daughters: Hollandse Nieuwe (New Catch Holland Herring) - Each year, during the late spring and early summer, the herring in the North Sea reach their peak condition. In Holland, the start of this season is a national holiday. In New York City, Russ & Daughters imports them directly from the Netherlands and holds a “Herring Pairing” party in July. Traditionally, this fish is eaten by holding the whole herring by the tail and dropping it into your mouth.
Wonderen Stroopwafels Café (GCT, Lower-Level Dining Concourse, LC-11, 89 East 42nd St; https://wonderenstroopwafels.com) - Located in Grand Central Terminal’s dining concourse, this dessert stand offers classic Dutch Stroopwafel cookies.
Java Indonesian (455 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY; Tel: 718/832-4583; java.com) - Try this popular Dutch-Indonesian dish: Rijsttafel, rice served with little, side dishes of spicy meats, shrimp, chicken, veggies, fruits, etc.

DISCOVER DUTCH CULTURAL HERITAGE
Here are some more ways to continue your exploration of this fascinating period of New York’s Dutch history:

Russel Shorto book

Read All About It: Start by reading these great books by historian Russell Shorto: “The Island at the Center of the World” - New Amsterdam began as a trading post for the Dutch West India Company in 1624 but evolved into a unique, progressive enclave where people of different nationalities, religions & races lived together. "Taking Manhattan" - The British were able to take over the island in 1664, because they arrived with war ships while New Amsterdam was defenseless.
“Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City” - Read about the source of the Dutch, 17th-century, enlightenment ideas that took root in New Amsterdam.

New Amsterdam History Center (https://newamsterdamhistorycenter.org)
- Offers interactive, online tools to explore New Amsterdam then, and New York now. The Holland Society of New York (https://hollandsociety.org) - Collects and preserve information regarding the early history and settlement of New Netherland by the Dutch. Dutch Culture USA

(https://www.dutchcultureusa.com) - Provides information on Dutch cultural activities in the U.S.

“New Amsterdam 1660” courtesy: So St Seaport Museum

South Street Seaport Museum
12 Fulton St & 213 Water St; https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org - Located in the historic seaport district of New York City, the museum preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city.

CHECK OUT MODERN-DAY DUTCH INFLUENCE
New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion - In Peter Minuit Plaza, in front of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, the New Amsterdam Plein is a novel NYC Visitor Info kiosk, snack bar & restrooms, designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio. (Looks like it was built for The Jetsons.)
Park on Governors Island (New York Harbor; www.govisland.com) - Dutch landscape architects & urban planners, West 8, were part of a team who designed the exceptional park concept on the renovated Governors Island.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips

“New Visions of Old New York” New Amsterdam History Center

From late April to early May some 50,000 tulips are in bloom at the New York Botanical Garden (www.nybg.org) and in the city parks (www.nycgovparks.org). 
Then, wander over to The Bowery (bouwerij - farm), up to Harlem (Haarlem), over to Brooklyn (Breukelen), and out to Coney Island (conyne – rabbits) to continue your exploration of Dutch New York!

Explore France’s Normandy Coastline, Côte d'Albâtre: Part lll: DIEPPE: 5 Great Reasons To Visit

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Eugène Boudin On the Beach, Dieppe (1864)

There are so many reasons to explore France’s Normandy coastline: The Côte d’Albâtre (Alabaster coast) is a stretch of chalk cliffs, like England’s white cliffs of Dover across The Channel, with several worthwhile stops along the way.

Dieppe is considered France’s very first seaside resort and has the prestigious Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (“Town of Art & History”) label awarded by the French Ministry of Culture. It also has some of the best seafood restaurants along the coast!

A LOVELY SEASIDE TOWN
In the 19th century, the upper classes became preoccupied with their health. By mid-century, physicians began touting the medicinal benefits of fresh air, exercise, and sea bathing. European elites beat a path to the beach, making villes balnéaire (seaside towns) and “sea cures” all the rage.
Dieppe is considered France’s very first seaside resort as sea bathing began here as far back as 1822. In 1824, the famous Duchesse de Berry, daughter-in-law of King Charles X, arrived and turned it into a trendy locale. The British crossed The Channel by ferry and, in 1848, a railway line connected Paris to Dieppe and Parisians started to flock to town. Today, Dieppe is still a popular seaside resort. You can relax on the Plage de Dieppe, a long, pebble beach, stroll along the lovely esplanade, and stay at nice hotels right by the shore.

Kite Festival (photo: David Parry)

Festival International de Cerfs-Volants - Kite Festival (every 2 years, next one Sept 2027) – An exciting event that fills the sky over the beach with delightful shapes & colors!

A HAVEN FOR ARTISTS & WRITERS
In the 19th century, the fashionable seaside resort of Dieppe, also became popular with writers--attracted by its’ vibrant, Bohemian scene--and artists--enticed by its unique atmosphere and quality of light--that inspired them to paint the lively port and lovely beachfront with its dramatic cliffs.
Well-known artists such as J.M.W. Turner, Claude Monet & Camille Pissarro came here to paint. Others such as the German-British artist Walter Sickert came here to live. Famous writers such as Oscar Wilde & Guy de Maupassant came here to hang out.
Dieppe Office de Tourisme (Pont Jehan Ango; Tel: +33 2 32 14 40 60)
Take a fascinating tour of all the sights that inspired the painters & writers, stroll through Le Pollet, the historic, fishermen’s neighborhood, and learn the history behind the churches Église Saint-Jacques & Église Saint-Rémy.
a) Do self-guided, walking tours with the aid of these maps; b) The Tourism Office can arrange a guide such as Bertrand Edimo from the Dieppe Ville d’Art et d’Histoire office. (Tours in French, English, Spanish & German.)

Dieppe Harbor (photo: Lezbroz/Dieppe-Normandie Tourisme)

Château-Musée de Dieppe
(Rue de Chastes; Open: Feb-Dec, Wed-Sun, 10am-6pm; Fee)
Head up a steep hill to the fortress-castle museum, the Vieux-Château, rebuilt in 1435, houses the city’s maritime heritage and one of the finest collections of carved ivories in Europe. There are also Impressionist paintings by famous artists such as Renoir & Pissarro, and a room devoted to French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Plus, great views over the town.

A GREAT PLACE TO DINE: SEAFOOD & LOCAL SPECIALTIES
After all, Dieppe is a fishing port and, over the centuries, herring and scallops have been two important catches for the community. In fact, Dieppe is France’s leading port for this exceptional shellfish (Coquille Saint-Jacques = scallops).

Fish Market (photo: Paul Grecaud)

Foire aux Harengs et à la Coquille Saint-Jacques - Herring & Scallop Festival (3rd weekend in November) – Not only seafood, but a town fair with entertainment & parades.
Local Specialties: Marché de Dieppe
(Saturday, 8am-1pm) - This Saturday-morning market was voted Plus Beau Marché de France (“Most Beautiful Market in France”). Some 200 vendor stalls run the entire length of the pedestrian street, the Grande Rue, right up to the Place du Puits-Salé, and along the side streets as well. Pick up some mouth-watering, local specialties such as Neufchâtel cheese, apple caramel spread, and cider. Fish, seafood, organic fruits & veggies, spices, and household items.

Dining & Drinks: Most of the chefs for Dieppe’s many, fine restaurants, pick out the freshest catch-of-the-day at the Marché aux Poissons.

Le Bas Fort Blanc (Photo: Khris Passenaud)

Bistrot des Barrières (5 Arcade de la Poissonnerie; Tel: +33 2 35 40 46 83) - The most delicious dishes of freshly-caught, local seafood served along with organic fruits & vegetables from a nearby farm. Everything is expertly-made in-house, including the bread.

Le Bas Fort Blanc (10 Rue Alexandre Dumas; Tel: +33 2 35 06 01 36) - Right on the ocean with stunning views, a large outdoor patio & indoor dining. Tasty, fresh-seafood offerings, great drinks, and fancy desserts.
Café des Tribunaux (Place du Puits Salé) - This historic place is best for drinks on the café terrace where Oscar Wilde and Guy De Maupassant used to hang out.

SPORTS GALORE: A GREAT PLACE TO HIKE & BIKE
In addition to all the fabulous watersports (surfing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.), you can go on local hikes and bike rides or do something a little more ambitious…

Sailing (photo: Ville de Dieppe)

Hiking Trail, GR21 – This is a long-distance, hiking trail that goes along Normandy’s Côte d'Albâtre. You could hike all the way from Le Havre to Dieppe and on to Le Tréport or just do smaller segments. 
3 Biking Routes: If you don’t have a bike, there are plenty of places to rent one.
1) Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) - This biking route goes along Normandy’s coastline. Instead of hiking, you could bike all the way from Le Havre to Dieppe and on to Le Tréport.
2) Véloroute du Lin - This is a lovely bike route through the countryside between Dieppe and Fécamp.
3) Avenue Verte - How ambitious are you? Bike all the way from Paris to Dieppe (& on to London via a ferry segment).

A LOVELY DAY TRIP
VARENGEVILLE-SUR-MER: Close to Dieppe, this lovely, little town has been a favorite spot for musicians, writers, and artists: the Impressionists Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Corot and the Cubist artist Georges Braque, who became a resident, Surrealist painter Joan Miró and the Modernist sculptor Alexandre Calder. It’s as alluring today and worth a visit, especially for these two spots:

Église Saint-Valéry, marine cemetery
(photo: Mairie de Varengeville-sur-Mer)

Église Saint-Valéry (43 Rte de I’Église) – Perched atop the Ailly cliff, the church was originally built in the 12th century by Conches Abbey monks and enlarged in the 16th century. The interior is now adorned by modern art, notably stained-glass windows by Georges Braque and his student Raoul Ubac. Braque is buried in the church’s “sailors cemetery”; he designed his own gravestone, a mosaic of a bird in flight.
Musée Michel Ciry 

(6 bis rue Marguerite Rolle; https://www.museemichelciry.com Open: May-Sept, Wed-Mon, 2-6pm; April & Oct, weekends, 2-6pm; Fee) - Michel Ciry was a French painter, composer, and writer born in Brittany in 1919. He was known foremost as a master engraver and illustrator, but he did work in various mediums such as oil, watercolor, and ink. In 1964, he moved to Varengeville-sur-Mer where he lived until his death in 2018. In 2012, he created a museum to present a permanent collection of his work. A devout Christian, his art is largely devoted to sacred themes, but he also did lovely landscapes and touching portraits. Built next to his former farmhouse home, the museum is a stunning, modern structure that has space for temporary exhibits by other artists and offers cultural events such as concerts and readings, in tribute to his other achievements in music and literature.

Getting There: From Dieppe to Varengeville-sur-Mer, take bus (NOMAD autocar) Ligne 514 (around 1/2 hour); for another interesting visit, continue on to Veules-les-Roses (named one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”). 

Making Your Trip to Dieppe Easier:
Tourisme Pass (July-Sept; Fee) – Provides entry to many monuments & activities. 
Where To Stay: All kinds of accommodations to choose from, including those on the seafront. 

Michel Ciry Le Tréport 1976

Hôtel Aguado (30 Blvd de Verdun, https://www.hoteldieppe.com) - Family-run for 3 generations, the hotel offers the best of both worlds: it overlooks the sea & is also smack-dab in the middle of town, close to all the sights, shops & restaurants.

Getting Around: There’s a free shuttle bus that makes a loop around town from the train station to the beach & regular bus routes, DeepMob.
Petit Train de Dieppe (Feb-Nov; Fee) – Many French towns have a little, tourist train; a 45-minute loop of all the important sights. 
Getting There: The Normandy region has its own train lines NOMAD; Paris - Gare Saint Lazare, with a connection in Rouen to Dieppe (2 1/2 hours). 
Bus: FLIXBUS – Paris direct to Dieppe (around 3 hours)
Ferry from England: Newhaven – Dieppe (4 hours) 
Nearby Jaunts: Visit other lovely towns along the Côte d'Albâtre. Normandy also has its own bus lines (NOMAD autocar): From Dieppe to Fécamp (Ligne 514 to St Valéry en Caux, then 513). Ligne 509 connects Fécamp - Etretat - Le Havre.

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Going Green: The Normandy region encourages “green” travel with some unique offers: Le Tarif bas-carbone (Low-Carbon Rate) – Get 10% off at various attractions by showing your train or bus ticket, or a photo of your bike! Sejours bas-carbone (Low-Carbon Visits) – Suggestions of places to visit that are easy to get to (& get around) without a car. If you really want to drive, rent an electric car! Explore Normandy Pass – Discounts throughout the region. Claude Monet - 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of his death; there’ll be lots of special exhibits in Normandy.

Explore France’s Normandy Coastline, Côte d'Albâtre: Part ll: FÉCAMP: 5 Great Reasons To Visit

Fécamp (photo: Thomas Le Floc'H)

By Jacquelin Carnegie

There are so many reasons to explore France’s Normandy coastline: The Côte d’Albâtre (Alabaster coast) is a stretch of chalk cliffs, like England’s white cliffs of Dover across The Channel, with several worthwhile stops along the way.
Fécamp is a charming place to vacation; a lovely, relaxing spot with lots of interesting sites because…it was once a coastal base for the Dukes of Normandy in the 11th century and the locale of an important Benedictine Abbey during the early Middle Ages. Also, over the centuries, Fécamp became France’s top cod fishing port and today you can enjoy a meal of freshly-caught fish at the Marché aux Poissons as well as in almost every restaurant in town!

THREE MUST-SEE SITES
Les Pêcheries - Musée de Fécamp
3 Quai Capitaine Jean Recher; www.musee-fecamp.fr (Open daily, Fee)

Crinolines sur la plage, Fécamp, Jules Achille Noel, 1871; Les Pêcheries

Housed in a former 1950’s cod-drying factory, Les Pêcheries is actually several museums combined into one, all related to the history of Fécamp: First, the museum presents a comprehensive idea of the local way of life over the centuries. Next, it details the history of cod and herring fishing, the most important commercial activity in the area since ancient times. (The Fécamp fishermen ventured as far north as the Canadian coast of Newfoundland to catch cod.) Then, there’s a collection of fine art paintings reflecting the sights, history and events pertinent to the area. Plus, a fascinating exhibit devoted to a local doctor, Dr. Léon Dufour, whose innovations in the 19th century saved the lives of infants worldwide. Last-but-not-least, on the top floor, there’s a 360° view of the surroundings: town, sea, and cliffs.

Palais Bénédictine
110 rue Alexandre Le Grand; www.benedictinedom.com (Open daily, Guided tour, Fee)

Palais Bénédictine

Even if you don’t drink or have any interest in liqueur, this is a must-visit. The Benedictine Palace is an architectural delight of neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance inspiration, built at the end of the 19th century with finely-decorated rooms, stunning stained-glass windows, and carved-wood walls.
Legend has it that in the Middle Ages a Benedictine monk came up with the recipe for a digestive based on 27 medicinal herbs and spices. The recipe was lost over time and only rediscovered in 1863 by a wine merchant from Fécamp, Alexander Le Grand. Monsieur Le Grant made Benedictine liqueur into a worldwide brand and built this amazing “palace” to house the only Benedictine distillery in the world as well as his eclectic collection of objects d’art. At the end of the tour, you also get to taste this unique liqueur.

Abbatiale de la Sainte Trinité - Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Fécamp
10 rue des Forts (Open daily; April-Sept 9am-7pm; Oct-March, 9am-12pm/2-5pm; Free to visit; Guided tour in French, Fee)

Fécamp Abbey

From the 11th century onwards, Benedictine monks settled here at the invitation of the Dukes of Normandy as it had been a holy site for centuries and one of the first pilgrimage locations in Normandy. The Fécamp Abbey is an impressive Gothic structure (127 meters/417 feet long), almost the same length as the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (128 meters/420 feet) with interior adornments of interest from several centuries, such as: the Tabernacle of the Precious Blood, the 15th-century sculpture of the Dormition of the Virgin, and the magnificent 17th-century, Astronomical clock displaying: time, moon phases, and the tides.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY
The Great Outdoors: There’s every kind of enjoyable, outdoor activity imaginable in this bucolic spot: hiking, biking, horseback-riding, sailing and, of course, just relaxing on the beach. Plus, several interesting Guided Tours (Tours in French; in English only for groups in case you’re traveling with many friends &/or your whole family in tow). Check with the tourism office for all the options: Fécamp Tourisme (Quai Sadi Carnot, Tel: +33 2 35 28 51 01) 

On the Beach, Fecamp, Berthe Morisot, 1873

Marché aux Poissons 

(2 rue du Commandant Riondel; Seasonal Opening hours: Fri & Sat, 9am-12:30pm/3pm-7pm; Tues-Thurs, 9am-12:30pm)
- Enjoy a freshly-caught, seafood meal at the Marché aux Poissons (fish market). Depending on the time of year, the best catch might be: cod, sole, bream, smoked & salt-cured herring (Oct-Jan), scallops (Oct-May), mackerel (summer), mussels, oysters, whelks & clams.

A LOVELY DAY TRIP
ÉTRETAT: This lovely, little village--known for its falaises, steep cliffs facing the sea, and rock arches (Aval, Amont & Manneporte)--has appealed to artistic types for centuries, such as writers (Guy de Maupassant, Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, etc.) and painters (Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin, etc.). Today, it’s just as inviting. Enjoy the landscape & these two worthwhile sites:
Les Jardins d'Étretat (Ave Damilaville; https://etretatgarden.fr; Closed: Dec-Feb; Fee) - Landscape architect Alexander Grivko transformed the grounds of a Belle Epoque villa into a magnificent, cliffside, topiary garden that features knock-out, contemporary art. Twice awarded the prestigious “Remarkable Garden” label by the French Ministry of Culture.

Les Jardins d’Étretat (photo: Yann Monel)

Clos Lupin – Maison Maurice Leblanc 

(15 rue Guy de Maupassant; Tel: +33 2 35 10 59 53; Fee) – Visit if you’re a fan of Leblanc’s books about the gentleman burglar, Arsène Lupin.
Dine: Restaurant du Perrey (3 rue Général Leclerc) – After sightseeing, enjoy a delicious meal with a spectacular view right on the waterfront. 
Getting to Étretat: From Fécamp or Le Havre by bus (autocar), Ligne 509. 
Or, from Fécamp, take a 2-hour speed boat excursion, La Mer pour Tous, or a 4-hour mini-cruise on a sail boat.

Making Your Trip to Fécamp Easier:
Where To Dine: Many good restaurants in town to choose from, plus the Marché aux Poissons.
Where To Stay: Absolutely all kinds of nice accommodations.
Hôtel Le Grand Pavois (15 Quai de la Vicomte; https://www.hotel-grand-pavois.com/en) - Nice, modern hotel in a great location, right on the harbor.
Getting around: In-town the Fici Bus. Fécamp Brochures & Maps (in French & English).

Fécamp harbor

Getting There: The Normandy region has its own train lines NOMAD; Paris - Gare Saint Lazare, change at Bréauté–Beuzeville for Fécamp (about 2 1/2hrs) 
Bus: FLIXBUS – Paris direct to Fécamp (around 3hrs)
Nearby Jaunts: Visit other lovely towns along the Côte d'Albâtre. Normandy also has its own bus lines (NOMAD autocar): Ligne 509 connects Fécamp - Etretat - Le Havre. From Fécamp to Dieppe (Ligne 513 to St Valéry en Caux, then 514 to Dieppe).

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Going Green: The Normandy region encourages “green” travel with some unique offers: Le Tarif bas-carbone (Low-Carbon Rate) – Get 10% off at various attractions by showing your train or bus ticket, or a photo of your bike! Sejours bas-carbone (Low-Carbon Visits) – Suggestions of places to visit that are easy to get to (& get around) without a car. If you really want to drive, rent an electric car! Explore Normandy Pass – Discounts throughout the region.

Parc Éolien - France’s first Offshore Wind Farm in Normandy, is off the coast of Fécamp; you can see it on a boat tour.

Claude Monet - 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of his death; there’ll be lots of special exhibits in Normandy.