Visit Dieppe with a guide that is different from run-of-the-mill publications. The Mayor welcomes you, whether your interests be gastronomic, cultural or simply sitting on the beach or a cafe terrace.

Arrive in Dieppe by road, rail or sea. The train from Paris takes about two hours. The ferry from Newhaven takes four hours, with daily sailings at 10am and 11pm; return from Dieppe at 5.30am and 6pm.

Dieppe has been around a long time. Its recorded history dates from the era of the Vikings and is linked to the history of England since William the Conqueror sailed to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Dieppe is a perfect starting point for voyages of discovery across the province of Normandy, with its ancient cities, castles, abbeys, and its busy ports, fruit orchards and green, green fields.

The native cuisine of Normandy is based on rich harvests from the adjacent sea and on dairy products from inland. Here are some restaurant tips from Dieppe and round about that you might find useful.

Dieppe may not be as famed for its night life as New York, Paris, London or Brighton. But there are places where you can find the entertainment and refreshment you may be yearning after midnight.

Shopping comes in all sizes in Dieppe. Track out to the hypermarkets on the outskirts or buy your goods in the old town centre. And try not to miss the picturesque street market on Saturday morning.

The choice is wide, between a three-star hotel on the seafront and a bargain hotel inland. Or you might prefer a charming "chambre d'hôtes". The tourist office has a full list of what's on offer.

They do a lot of things differently in France. It's worth knowing, for example, about odd closing times, ordering the coffee you want and getting medical care. And we suggest some handy phrases to use

Need the number for the police, a night chemist, the hospital, a taxi, the ferry port or the tourist office, etc? With a foreign mobile, put 0033 before the local number, and drop the 0 preceding it.