Children's world

THE French are rather good in their attitude to children in public, and the children tend to react well to the treatment they receive. The fact that they are admitted without demur to restaurants and cafés (the French equivalent of pubs) has a civilising influence on the adults present. Don’t hesitate to ask for the children’s menu. Young children don’t need to be bored in Dieppe.

Bathing and plenty of water play at the new swimming pool complex (Les Bains) at the western end of the seafront.

The minigolf, and a children’s playground, are just next door. You will find another children’s playground in the park behind the Cultural Centre.

The beach has sand to play on at low tide, when the rock pools at the western end reveal their secrets.

A visit to the Cité de la Mer, behind the Hôtel l’Europe at the eastern end of the seafront, is rewarding for children and parents alike, with its aquarium and its many exhibits explaining how tides work, pebbles are formed and fishing has developed.

Children’s books and videos abound at the public library opposite the railway station. Or visit Lire sur la plage (the ‘‘Read on the beach’’ hut near the minigolf) in summer.