Dives-sur-Mer
OFFICE OF TOURISM
Village d’Art Guillaume le Conquérant
2 rue d’Hastings 14160 Dives sur Mer
- Ph : 02 31 91 24 66
- Email : dives-sur-mer@ncpa-tourisme.fr
- Open 7/7 in July & August
- Closed on Sunday & Monday the rest of the year.
Go to the Tourist Office to get a map of the town with all the information you need not to miss anything.
Two walking itineraries are also available to discover the city.
If you stop in Cabourg, then visit also Dives-sur-Mer which is next door : this is the port-town where William the Conqueror had his fleet built in 1066 (around 1000 ships) and from where he left with his 8000 men for the conquest of England.
This charming historic town is definitely worth a visit for a few hours and if you’re there on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the traditional market under the magnificent medieval market halls !
VISIT
The Office of Tourism offers 2 walking itineraries to visit the city with brochures
1- The itinerary of the Dives Estuary
5,4 km / 1hr30/ loop.
Discover :
– the district of the old metallurgical activity of the town which began in 1891 : the Tréfimétaux metallurgy factory closed in 1986. Below is a picture of the belfry of the factory’s administrative headquarters, now converted into a music school.
– Port Guillaume marina, the Dives Estuary and a towpath from where you can observe the fauna and flora.
2- The historic itinerary (the one I most recommend)
0,5 km / 45 min / loop.
The village of Art of William the Conqueror, The Manor of Bois Hibout, the medieval market halls and Notre-Dame church.
THE INTERESTING SITES TO DISCOVER IN DIVES-SUR-MER
- THE MEDIEVAL MARKET HALLS
Rue Paul Canta, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer.
Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, the wooden frame inside is very impressive (it’s the original one) resting on 66 oak pillars.
To pay tribute to William the Conqueror, 14 coats of arms of some of his companions are placed on the pillars with explanations of the origins of the families.
Outside, have a look at the roof covered with beautiful old tiles.
Weekly market : Saturday morning, a must-see ! - THE VILLAGE OF ART OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
2 rue d’Hastings, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer.
Stroll in this former coaching inn dating in part from the 15th century and which was converted into an inn at the end of the 19th century where a rich clientele liked to stay with the craze for sea bathing of the time. You will discover a set of buildings typical of the Norman architecture with very nice decorative elements (a sun dial, wood carvings, statues…) and beautiful coutyards.
The Tourist Office is a must-see since it is located in the former reception room of the inn where you can admire some exceptional stained glass windows with Musician Angels. - THE MUSICIAN ANGELS
At the Tourist Office in the village of art.
Stained glass windows from the 14th century depicting eight angels playing instruments.
- THE FACADE OF BOIS HIBOUT MANOR (also called La Lieutenance)
Place de la République, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer.
This beautiful mansion of 5 levels in its highest part was built in Caen stone in the 17th century by Leduc de la Falaise a valet of Louis XIV. It was owned among others by Sieur de Bois-Hibout (hence its name) and became in the 19th century a police station.
It is said that there was once an underground which joined the church…
Go down a few steps and you will reach « La Cave de l’Abbaye » (=the Abbey Cellar), a beautiful vaulted cellar where you can buy good wines, spirits at all prices on the good advice of a passionate wine merchant.
- NOTRE DAME CHURCH FROM THE 11TH/12TH CENTURIES
Rue de Lisieux, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer.
This is where you will find inside above the entrance porch the list of William’s companions for the Conquest of England in 1066. This list with 475 names was engraved in 1862 by Arcisse de Caumont, a historian and archaeologist from Bayeux.
This church was for a long time a place of pilgrimage especially for sailors. Some of the walls are covered with 400 graffiti of sea and river boats dating from the 15th to 20th century.
Note something quite exceptional to see still today : outside the church (on the right facade) a « hole for lepers » allowing the sick to attend mass from the outside.
- THE BLUE HOUSE OF DA COSTA (La Maison Bleue)
13 rue des Frères Bisson, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer.
This unique garden with miniature monuments covered with mosaics ( made from various recycled materials) was created by Euclides Ferreira Da Costa a mason of Portuguese origin. The blue color dominates in his creations. The work started in 1957 (da Costa being shocked by the passenger dog Laika on Sputnik sacrificed for science : a first monument was built to the dog). Da Costa was inspired by a deep respect for nature and animals. He developped his creations until 1977. Many elements have a religious inspiration but not only. Da Costa died in 1984 and left a fragile place. The site was acquired by the town of Dives in 1989 in order to save this unique place of art but the economic context was not good. The house was classified as a historic monument in 1991. An association of volunteers was created in 2004 to help the city to collect donations to carry out restoration works but with difficulties.
The Blue House is only open on certain dates (usually open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5pm-6:30pm in July and August). But it’s better to check by sending an email to get the exact opening days at : info@maisonbleuedacosta.fr
Click HERE to view the site on YouTube. - THE MARINA OF PORT GUILLAUME
A modern district with tourist residences and the harbour office of the marina. Nothing extraordinary…
You can walk to the end of the quay to see the fishing port and the fish market (every morning from 8:30am to 12:30pm).
Pizzeria La Div’in
71 rue du Général De Gaulle, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer
Ph : 09 63 52 21 45
Email : div.in.pizza@gmail.com
Follow them on Facebook HERE.
Opening days
Every day for lunch and dinner except on Wednesday.
– The best pizzas and at very correct prices !
– Very friendly welcome : an excellent pizzeria in Dives.
Creperie and Bar Le Billig’s
Village Guillaume Le Conquérant
2 rue d’Hastings, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer
Ph : 02 31 24 08 14
Email : creperielebilligs@gmail.com
Opening days
– April-October : from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
– November-March : only open on Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner.
– Located in the Village of Art in a very nice and typical setting.
– Good galettes and crêpes.
L' Hydromel
BISTRONOMIC RESTAURANT
96 rue du Général De Gaulle, 14160 Dives-sur-Mer
Ph : 02 50 08 68 40
Website HERE.
Opening days
Please check on their website.
– Tasty and original cuisine with very good products.
– Friendly welcome and very efficient team. all in a good atmosphere.
– Young owners who deserve to be known in the region.
– A restaurant not to be missed in Dives and a good value for money for a bistronomic meal !
