Petites Dalles and Grandes Dalles show different sides of the coast. Historic buildings and trails add specific destinations to consider when planning your day.
Two coastal villages, two characters
Petites Dalles is a seaside resort with numerous villas dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period of construction gives the village a character typical of the Pays de Caux. Those interested in architecture will find a different way to experience the coast here, beyond the beach and cliffs: the villas make the resort’s development visible.
Grandes Dalles, by contrast, was a fishing village. The route down to its pebble beach runs between tall chalk and flint cliffs. The Dalles therefore bring two distinct coastal scenes together: the villas of a seaside resort, and the combination of a former fishing village, cliffs and beach. This distinction can help you choose a destination for the day without reducing both places to a single experience.
Hiking trails and cycling route
The GR21 long-distance hiking trail passes through Sassetot-le-Mauconduit. The Sissi trail is another option for anyone interested in routes through the countryside: it runs between countryside and cliffs to the Valleuse of Petites Dalles.
The Vélomaritime cycling route also passes through Sassetot-le-Mauconduit. Hiking and cycling are therefore among the different options that may factor into planning your stay. If you prefer to get around on foot, you can explore the GR21 and Sissi trails; if you’re looking for a cycling route, the Vélomaritime is a distinct option.
Church, château and historic furnishings
The Church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité was built in 1853. It houses a baptismal font and choir screen from the 13th century, both from the earlier church. These furnishings therefore predate the construction of the present-day church. Next to it also stands a cross from the former cemetery, likewise dating from the 13th century.
Another detail is the church pulpit: two woodcarvers and sculptors from Sassetot made it in 1891. Together with the baptismal font, choir screen and cemetery cross, these objects offer a way to explore the church’s history through several tangible details. For a stay focused on cultural history, they are a distinct point of interest alongside the coastal villages and trails.
The Château de Sassetot is another protected historic building. The façades and roofs of the château, its orangery and its dovecote were listed as Monuments Historiques by decree on 20 May 1975. The protection applies to these specifically named parts and buildings.
Practical considerations for your stay
When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay: the coast and villas of Petites Dalles, the cliffs and pebble beach of Grandes Dalles, hiking trails, cycling or historic buildings.
If you’d like to play tennis during your stay, you can rent tennis courts, balls and rackets through the tourist office. Check availability before your trip. This lets you include this specific activity in your personal selection, alongside the coast, trails and architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Maucomble, Crasville-La-Rocquefort, Ry, Criquetot-Sur-Longueville, Torcy-Le-Grand, Londinières, Roncherolles-en-Bray, Colleville.
For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
