Castle treasures

DIEPPE Castle has kept a stern and watchful eye over the town for half a millennium. Perched on the flank of the western cliff, it served during centuries as fortress against enemy incursions, or as barracks and military storehouse. The oldest parts of the castle were built in the fourteenth century, as a defence against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Today, most of its foreign visitors still come from England, but with peaceful intent.

Bought by the town council after the First World War, the Château became the Château Musée in 1923. Its collection has been expanded to the status of a national treasure house of art. Its main claim to fame is in its collection of ivories, based upon an ancient trade and craft that employed hundreds of people in the town. The collection of paintings include works by Lebourg, Courbet, Delacroix, Renoir, Pissarro, Sickert and Braque.

The museum is open every day from June to September, but closed on Tuesdays during the rest of the year. Entry is free for under-26s and job seekers.

• Learn more about the Castle Museum (in French)