France

If you're heading to Dieppe next week to see its famous Kite Festival, you might be wondering what else there is to do in this historic port town in Normandy. The good news is: lots! From wonderful art museums to outstanding seafood restaurants, two stunning churches, and some key historic sites relating to the Normandy Campaign in WWII, whatever your interests, you'll have a wonderful time on a Dieppe mini break.

From landing on Juno Beach on D-Day to the fierce fighting to liberate Caen and Rouen and the decisive final battle to close the Falaise Gap, Canadians left an incredible legacy on French soil. Today, an official 400km memorial route has been created by the tourism boards of Normandy, Dieppe, Caen la Mer, and Lens to honour the sacrifices made by Canadian troops in France.

If you're planning a trip to Normandy and wondering about things to do apart from the landing beaches, you're not alone. While the D-Day sites are deeply moving and historically important, not every traveller is drawn to military history - and that’s okay. Normandy offers so much more, from Impressionist art and storybook villages to breathtaking coastlines and local food culture.

Once you've paid your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery, there are four nearby sites that help piece together the broader story of the Normandy campaign. All of them are within an hour’s drive from the cemetery, and each offers a unique window into the events of D-Day and its aftermath.