Dives-sur-Mer is a charming Normandy commune that combines heritage with a charming port. You’ll love the picturesque streets of its art village and its historic heritage. It was from here that William the Conqueror set out to conquer England in 1066!
Here’s our guide to the must-see stops in the Normandy village of Dives-sur-Mer, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Dives-sur-Mer worth a visit?
Absolutely! We loved the contrast between the village’s preserved medieval heritage and its dynamic port! The art village is a place steeped in history, where time seems to have stood still at the time of William the Conqueror.
It didn’t make our top list of the most beautiful villages in Normandy, but it’s not far off!
1. Discover the Village d’Art and its garden
The William the Conqueror Art Village impressed us with its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. We’ve explored several courtyards where you’ll discover exceptional 17th and 18th century decorative furniture from Norman estates. Admire the vast granite table of a former hunting lodge, the bust of Louis XIV (replica of a Coysevox) and a sundial dating from 1547. The roofs are topped with glazed terracotta finials in the colors of Pré d’Auge pottery. A truly timeless moment!
- Opening hours: according to tourist office opening hours
- Price: free access
- Don’t miss the medieval garden and artisan boutiques!
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2. Admire the Manoir de Bois Hibou
We were seduced by the elegance of the Manoir de Bois-Hibou, a 17th-century manor house built of Caen stone. Erected by Leduc de la Falaise, valet de chambre to Louis XIV, this building takes its name from the Sieur de Bois-Hibout who became its owner. Transformed into a gendarmerie in the 19th century, you may know it as a “lieutenance”. The architecture bears witness to the refinement of the period, and is well worth a visit on your stroll through the village.
- Opening hours: free outdoor tour
- Price: free of charge
3. Visit the Halles Médiévales
The Halles Médiévales, listed as a Monument Historique, took us back to the early 15th century. Built between 1405 and 1423, they are still alive with entertainment, shows and weekly markets. From the outside, we admired the main nave and two symmetrically arranged aisles, covered with ancient tiles made from local clay and cob mixed with straw and stone. Inside, you’ll discover an imposing wooden framework resting on 66 oak pillars adorned with historic coats of arms.
- Opening hours: daily non-stop
- Market every Saturday morning
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Discover Notre-Dame Church
Take a short tour of Notre-Dame Church to admire its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. For our part, we were fascinated by its legendary history dating back to August 6, 1001. According to tradition, fishermen found an uncrossed Christ in their nets, whose knee began to bleed under the blows of a miscreant’s axe. A replica of this relic can be seen in the building.
Above the entrance porch is a list of the 475 companions of William the Conqueror, engraved by Arcisse de Caumont in 1862, bearing witness to the Norman epic to England.
- Opening hours: open all day, except Wednesday
- Free admission outside religious services
- See the latest news on the official website here
5. Stroll along Port Guillaume
We enjoyed the tranquility of Port Guillaume, hidden behind the dunes of the Dives estuary. Surrounded by tourist residences and restaurants, this harbor offers every comfort for yachtsmen and visitors alike.
On our walk to the end of the quay, we came across a number of old sailing ships, as well as the fishing port and fish market, which have retained their original function.
- Opening hours: free access
- Nautical activities available on reservation: more info here
- On-site catering
WHERE TO STAY IN Deauville
Option 1: downtown
For easy access to the beach, beautiful downtown and restaurants… We recommend..:
- Hotel Villa Augeval with its charming manor houses – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Patio for good value – see prices, photos and availability
- And for luxury, Hôtel Le Normandy is a must – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the countryside
Less than 15 minutes from Deauville, you can enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by greenery. We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Manoirs de Tourgeville – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Trouville
On the other side of the harbor is the twin town of Trouville, also with beautiful villas but a more relaxed atmosphere. We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Flaubert, les pieds dans le sable – see prices, pictures and availability
Things to do in Dives-sur-Mer: other ideas
We’ve discovered other rewarding activities in Dives-sur-Mer to complement your visit:
- Discover Da Costa’s astonishing Blue House: more info here
- Admire the masterpieces on display at the tourist office. It features the coats of arms of William the Conqueror’s companions and a partial reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry. The site also boasts exceptional stained glass windows: 14th-century Angel musicians and scenes recreated in 2015 by master stained glass artist Cyril Gouty, illustrating the historical figures who have frequented the inn. Book a guided tour here.
- Explore local farms and cider mills for an authentic gourmet experience
- Take the Vélomaritime trail
- Try parasailing for thrill-seekers: more info here
Just 10 minutes from Dives-sur-Mer, you can also take advantage of the many activities on offer:
- of Cabourg, its pleasant seafront (the famous Marcel Proust promenade!) and its dynamic atmosphere.
- of Houlgate, and its green cliffs, where the charm of yesteryear blends harmoniously with the gentle coastal lifestyle!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Other attractions in and around Dives-sur-Mer
We recommend a number of exciting excursions around Dives-sur-Mer to enrich your Normandy stay:
Explore the village of Beuvron-en-Auge
Beuvron-en-Auge offers authentic charm with its half-timbered houses, historic manor houses, waterways and picturesque atmosphere. Located on the Route du Cidre, it’s a must-see destination for discovering the essence of the Pays d’Auge. It is classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Normandy, and a must-see in the region.
Read more in our article.
Take a stroll in Deauville
This emblematic Normandy destination needs no introduction!
With its immense beaches, Anglo-Norman Belle Époque architecture, racecourse, casinos and palaces, the seaside resort offers a unique and chic experience. And don’t forget the famous American Film Festival and gastronomy!
Find out more in our article.
Discover the Merville Battery
The Merville Battery was a German army fortification during the Second World War, neutralized on June 6, 1944 by the British 9th Parachute Battalion. The site, now transformed into a place of remembrance, offers a fascinating and poignant plunge into history.
If we loved our visit, it’s because the entirely preserved site creates immersion by re-enacting the D-Day assault through a projection, and giving visitors the chance to wander through its historic features (bunkers, aircraft, cannon).
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How to get to Dives-sur-Mer + parking
Where is Dives-sur-Mer
- In the Normandy region, Calvados
- 10min drive from Cabourg
- 20min drive from Deauville
How to get there
The easiest way is to come by car. Dives-sur-Mer is just a 10-minute drive from Cabourg on the D513, making it an ideal excursion from this seaside resort. From Caen, take the A13 for 30 minutes, then the D513.
By public transport, the Nomad bus line links Caen to Dives-sur-Mer, with several daily stops.
You can also cycle from Cabourg along the Vélomaritime, a pleasant route along the Normandy coast.
Parking in Dives-sur-Mer
Several free parking lots are available at the entrance to the village and near the port. Parking is generally easy, even in high season.
Useful tips for visiting Dives-sur-Mer
How long and when?
Allow half a day to explore the village, or a full day if you’d like to enjoy the port and water sports.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
Start with the historic center and the Village d’Art, and finish with a stroll around the port. The route is accessible to all, with short distances and minimal gradients.
Visiting with children
There are no specific courses for children at the center, but the water sports activities in the harbor should appeal to them. Events like the Récidives puppet festival in July will delight the whole family!
Visit Dives-sur-Mer in winter
Winter brings a special atmosphere to Dives-sur-Mer, with fewer visitors and soft light on the historic monuments.
The tourist office will also be able to advise you on low-season activities.
Restaurants
We haven’t yet tested Dives-sur-Mer’s restaurants, but there are plenty of gourmet options to choose from. You can also take a look at the good addresses we’ve listed in Deauville.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
