Things To Do
in Fécamp

Scallops from local waters, often prepared seared or in a gratin. Find them at harbor restaurants and seasonal seafood menus.

Must-Try!

Mussels cooked in white wine, cream or local herbs, served with fries — a common and affordable seaside staple at brasseries.

Apple tart made with local apples and plenty of butter — available at patisseries and cafés across town.

Sweet herbal liqueur produced in Fécamp; tasting and bottles available at the Palais Bénédictine museum and gift shop.

A small local fish market near the quays where fishermen sell fresh catches; best in the morning for the freshest products and seasonal shellfish.

Weekly markets in town sell cheeses, apples, cider, baked goods and regional produce — great for picnic supplies or sampling local specialties.

Always greet shopkeepers and staff with ‘Bonjour’ when entering; a polite ‘Merci’ and ‘Au revoir’ when leaving is expected.

Use formal language (vous) with strangers and in shops; be patient, lower your voice in public places and avoid loud behavior.

Keep hands visible on the table, don’t start eating until the host says ‘bon appétit’, and follow local customs about bread (often placed directly on the table).

Stick to marked paths on cliffs and dunes, take litter with you and respect protected coastal areas.

Service charge (service compris) is usually included in restaurant bills — an extra 5–10% is appreciated for exceptional service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafés; tipping is informal.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and larger restaurants, but small cafés, markets and rural vendors may prefer cash. Bring a card with chip-and-PIN capability and notify your bank before travel if needed.

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and fewer tourists — good for coastal walks and visiting markets; bring a light jacket for breezy days.

Warmer weather and the busiest tourist season: beaches are lively, outdoor terraces open late, and local festivals may take place; pack sun protection and expect higher prices.

Crisp air, dramatic coastal storms and changing foliage; ideal for photography and quieter visits, but bring waterproof layers and be mindful of stronger winds on cliffs.

Cool, wet and windy with fewer services open; the town is peaceful and accommodation prices are lower — good for cozy meals and exploring museums but not ideal for extended beach time.

Coastal footpath linking Le Havre to Le Tréport; sections around Fécamp offer cliff-top views, varied terrain and access to small coves and lookout points.

Short circular walks from Fécamp up to Cap Fagnet for panoramic views over the English Channel and the town — popular for sunrise and sunset photography.

Longer coastal route passing striking chalk arches and beaches; can be tackled in stages from Fécamp with transport links between villages.

Inland paths following small valleys and farmland that showcase Normandy’s rural landscapes and hedgerow scenery.

Regional airport about 70–80 km from Fécamp (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car); seasonal and limited international flights, good for regional access.

Small regional airfield near Le Havre, primarily serving general aviation; most scheduled commercial flights use Deauville or larger airports.

Major international hub about 200 km away; reachable by train and car in roughly 2.5–3.5 hours depending on connections — a common choice for long-haul travelers.

Budget carrier airport north of Paris, around 2.5–3 hours drive; often used by low-cost airlines with shuttle/train connections into Paris before reaching Normandy.

Working fishermen and families tied to the port form an important part of the town’s identity and economy.

Normandy’s mild climate and quiet coastal towns attract many retirees who live year-round in the area.

In summer, the town receives visitors from across France and Europe, boosting seasonal services and markets.

Families and people who commute to larger nearby towns or work in local services contribute to the community demographic.

Given Fécamp’s maritime heritage, sailing, small-boat cruising and coastal angling are popular among locals and visitors.

Like much of France, football (soccer) is widely played and followed at amateur and youth levels.

While not a major surf hotspot like southwestern France, certain beaches along the Alabaster Coast have suitable conditions for bodyboarding or surfing when swells are right.

Walking and trail running on coastal paths (GR21) and inland lanes are popular outdoor pursuits.

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in large cities. Look for salads, omelettes, tartes salées (savory tarts), and cheese plates; mention dietary needs in advance at smaller restaurants.

Vegan choices can be sparse—bring snacks or seek out bakeries and larger cafés in Fécamp or nearby Le Havre for more options. Supermarkets carry basic vegan staples.

Some restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible; use a French phrase or card to explain celiac needs and consider self-catering for full control.

Seafood is central to the cuisine—always inform servers of shellfish or other allergies and carry translation cards if needed.