by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:11th February 2025
A Medieval town fit for a Conqueror
The quaint town of Dives-sur-Mer was an absolute delight to visit. It often gets overlooked by its elegant Belle Epoque neighbour of Cabourg; however, Dives-sur-Mer is overflowing with fascinating history.
Dives-sur-Mer is located along the English Channel in the Calvados Department of Normandy, just at the mouth of the River Dives.
Normandy is a beautiful region of France and one that we often return to, especially for its depth of history, stunning coastline and verdant rolling countryside. There is so much to discover in Normandy; during this visit, we also stayed in the historic town of Bayeux and visited the recently opened British Normandy Memorial.
Heading across the English Channel to Dives-sur-Mer gave us the opportunity to plan an EV mini-road trip. We headed off in our new electric vehicle to explore the Normandy coast; here is our inspiration.
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Where is Dives-sur-Mer?
How to get to Dives-sur-Mer
- By Car
Departing from the UK to France, there are various options. You can either jump on Le Shuttle and arrive in Calais in 35 minutes or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the open waves with DFDS or P&O. Alternatively, you can head down to the south coast of England and catch Brittany Ferry directly to Normandy.
- By Plane
If you’re flying into France, search for your flights in one easy place with Booking.com. This reliable travel search engine will scan for your favoured routes and chosen dates. Pre-book your hire car from Rental Cars, and your adventure begins.
Brief history of Dives-sur-Mer
William departs for the CrownDives-sur-Mer is the only port town in this region of Calvados and has an abundance of character and history; it is appropriately named Port Guillaume de Dives-sur-Mer.
Now, Gary and I (particularly Gary) have a reasonably good knowledge of history, and it wasn’t until we decided to visit Dives-sur-Mer in Normandy that we discovered that this ancient little town is famed for William the Conqueror’s departure to England.
The medieval halles in Dives-sur-Mer
It was from the estuary of Dives-sur-Mer in 1066 that William the Bastard began his Norman Conquest of England. Guillaume and his army left Dives and crossed the English Channel to land on the shores of Pevensey Bay in September 1066.
It was only a matter of weeks before William the Conqueror defeated King Harold on the 14th of October 1066, at the Battle of Hastings. William was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066
Place de la Republique
Within the Medieval old town of Dives-sur-Mer, you’ll stumble upon some incredibly historic architecture, quaint shops and cafés, and the William the Conqueror Art Village.
Where to stay in Dives-sur-Mer
Kyriad Prestige Residence & Spa Cabourg-Dives-sur-Mer
The Kyriad Prestige is a peaceful hotel located on the edge of Cabourg and Dives-sur-Mer. It’s just a short stroll to the historic old town and the beach resort of Cabourg. Its rooms are modern and has welcoming, friendly staff.
Onsite secure parking is available and complimentary.
Alternatively, pop your dates in the Booking.com search box and discover further options for all budgets.
Place de la Republique, Dives-sur-Mer
Exploring the medieval streetsStrolling the medieval lanes of Dives-sur-Mer was an absolute treat. We’d just explored the stunning, grand Belle Epoque villas around Cabourg, so visiting the ancient streets of Dives-sur-Mer was like experiencing your very own time travel.
Historic streets of Dives-sur-Mer
The welcoming local shops and cafés along the narrow streets of Dives-sur-Mer instantly give you the feel that you are mixing shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals of the little town. We couldn’t resist stepping into the bustling boulangerie to pick up a home-baked Madeleine or two.
We wend our way along the Rue Paul Canta to the beating heart of the town, the Place de la Republique. This is undoubtedly a wow moment as the vast medieval covered market stands before you.
Halles médiévales de Dives-sur-Mer
The magnificent halls date from the early 1400s and the frame of the halls are still in their original state, although small alterations have been made over the centuries. The stunning wooden frames inside the halls rest on 66 oak pillars.
Inside Halles médiévales de Dives-sur-Mer
If you want to experience the true essence of life in Dives-sur Mer, visit on a Saturday morning when a traditional French market is held in the square.
Manor of Bois-Hibout
On the opposite side of the Place de la Republique is the Manor of Bois-Hibout. This manor house was built of Caen stone in the 17th century by Leduc de la Falaise, who was valet to the French King Louis XIV.
The building was converted into a Gendarmerie in the 19th century; today, you can head inside La Cave de l’Abbaye to taste some fine wines and spirits.
We love visiting France and each region so different from one another. I find the DK Eyewitness Guides really helpful in planning a trip and so often find interesting little snippets of info.
Take a peek at this revised Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide and see what you can discover.
Église Notre-Dame de Dives-sur-Mer
Ancient seafaring graffitiThe local church in any town, village or city always holds dedication to the locale’s rich history, and the Church of Notre-Dame de Dives-sur-Mer was no exception.
Église Notre-Dame de Dives-sur-Mer
What I found especially fascinating about the Notre-Dame de Dives-sur-Mer were the sea-faring references throughout the church. The striking and vibrant stained-glass windows and a fishing boat which depicts the tale of the recovered statue of Christ Saint-Sauveur on April 6, 1001.
Stained-glass window Dives-sur-Mer church
Inside the Church of Notre-Dame de Dives-sur-Mer
The church was originally built in the 11th century and further completed during the 14th and 15th centuries. A particular part of the church we wanted to seek out was the ancient maritime graffiti, and there are believed to be over 400 drawings and etchings.
The graffiti wasn’t the easiest of things to find as the drawings date from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and are now quite faint.
Maritime graffiti in the south porch
The other element of the church we wanted to see was the vast plaque detailing the list of William the Conqueror’s 475 wealthy companions who left for the English coastline to battle with their enemy.
The list of William the Conqueror’s 475 companions
On the night before sailing to Pevensey Bay, William and his 475 cohorts from around northern France attended a mass in Dives-sur-Mer Church for prayers.
After comprehensive research of the principal men involved, the plaque was inaugurated on 17th August 1862. Depictions of the departure can be seen on the Bayeux Tapestry; it is believed that 1,000 boats and 8,000 men took part in the manoeuvre.
Normandy Tourist Information
If you’re tempted to visit Normandy, especially the department of Calvados, take a peek at the official Normandy Tourism website. The local tourist offices provide some extremely useful information and handy pointers for around the region.
I found the Normandy Cabourg Pays d'Auge Tourism website extremely useful.
William the Conqueror Art Village
Medieval blends with RenaissanceThe main entrance to the William the Conqueror Art Village was a former post house or coaching inn dating from the late 15th century. The post house lay on the old coastal route that led from Caen to Rouen.
Village d'Art Guillaume-le-Conquérant, Dives-sur-Mer
Just like the rest of Dives-sur-Mer, it was a delight to visit. It may be slightly touristy, but that adds to the charm of the Art Village. Stroll through the ancient archway of the chequerboard façade to the eye-catching interior courtyards beyond.
There are three picturesque courtyards to explore within the Guillaume le Conquérant Art Village. The first delightful courtyard you step into is surrounded by striking timber-framed dwellings encircled with intricate galleries and balconies. An enchanting blend of Medieval and Renaissance styles.
Inside the tourist office
The main court is the Louis XIV courtyard and is also home to the local tourist office; ensure you head inside to see a copy of some scenes from the Bayeux tapestry and the 500-year-old stained-glass windows representing the Musician Angels.
Courtyard within the William the Conqueror Art Village
We continue to stroll through the next two courtyards that have a wonderful array of village artisans and local craftsmen and women creating unique products by hand. Dip in and out of the welcoming boutiques and cafés and sit and watch the world pass by amongst the attractive stone fountains.
Crit'Air vignette required for driving in France
If you’re heading to France from the UK with your own vehicle, you’ll need a Crit’Air ‘clean air’ car sticker.
Just like our low-emission zones in the UK, France now legally requires the display of a Crit’Air vignette. The good news is, these stickers are readily available and affordable online through the official French government website.
The Crit’Air sticker lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, so it’s a one-off purchase. The RAC website offers an in-depth guide to everything you need to know and your requirements.
Why not check out more on Normandy
Feb. 16, 2021
Our itinerary for a Normandy road-trip via Rouen, Caen & Alençon
An idyllic 10-night journey
Feb. 13, 2018
Roadtrippin’ memories of Normandy, France
History, cider, crepes & art, what more could you want?
Sep. 04, 2017
Visiting Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Don’t get caught by the tide…
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I really enjoyed that write up, well done both.
Ahh, thanks very much. It was a lovely little town and quite unexpected how much ancient history was there. The graffiti in the church was amazing.