International Kite Festival of Dieppe – France 2025

Background & History

The International Kite Festival of Dieppe, established in 1980, is the world’s largest kite festival, held biennially in Dieppe, Normandy, France. Organized by the Dieppe Capitale du Cerf-Volant association, this event transforms the town’s seafront into a vibrant aerial spectacle, attracting over 500,000 visitors and kite flyers from more than 40 countries.

It celebrates the art, culture, and history of kite flying, showcasing traditional and modern designs while promoting intercultural exchange and environmental awareness. Recognized among the top 300 global events, the festival has grown from a local gathering to a global phenomenon, emphasizing creativity, peace, and universalism through its diverse programming and focus on sustainable practices.

Event Highlights

• Giant Kite Displays: Massive kites, including 100-foot-long dragons, whales, and geometric designs, fill the sky, synchronized to music for a mesmerizing show.
• International Parade: On the first Sunday (September 14, 2025), a vibrant parade features participants in traditional costumes from over 40 countries, showcasing global kite artistry.
• Night Flight Spectacle: A magical evening light show on September 20, 2025, with illuminated kites and LED-lit designs creating an ethereal display.
• Interactive Workshops: Kite-building and flying sessions for all ages, led by professionals, foster hands-on engagement.
• Cultural Village: Five themed hubs (exhibition, children’s, historical, creative, aerial photography) offer crafts, performances, and educational displays.

Date & Duration

Dates: September 13 – 21, 2025
Duration: 9 days

Venue / Location

The festival takes place along Dieppe’s seafront in Normandy, France, at:

• Pelouses de la Plage (Seafront Lawns): Boulevard de Verdun, 76200 Dieppe, France. The main venue, spanning eight hectares of grass and pebble beach, hosts kite displays and workshops.
• Pont Jehan Ango: Pont Jehan Ango, 76200 Dieppe, France. A central hub for performances and the cultural village.
• Place du Puits Salé: 76200 Dieppe, France. Features artisan markets and food stalls. Additional events, such as parades, occur through Dieppe’s historic streets, starting from Place Nationale (76200 Dieppe).

Contact Information

• Email: contact@dieppetourisme.com, infos@dieppe-cerf-volant.org
• Phone: +33 2 32 14 40 60 (Dieppe Tourism Office), +33 2 32 90 04 95 (Dieppe Capitale du Cerf-Volant)
• Website: www.dieppe-cerf-volant.org, www.dieppetourisme.com
• Organizer: Dieppe Capitale du Cerf-Volant, Les Tourelles, Boulevard de Verdun, BP 142, 76204 Dieppe Cedex, France
• Social Media: Follow @dieppetourisme and @dieppenormandietourisme on social platforms

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: General admission is free; no tickets are required for most events. Workshops and special activities, like kite-building or the night flight, may have nominal fees (approximately USD 5-11, based on €5-10 at 1.10 USD/EUR). Check www.dieppe-cerf-volant.org for specific pricing closer to the event.
• Pricing: USD 0 for general entry; workshop fees range from USD 5-11.
• Special Options: No VIP or reserved seating options; all activities are open to the public.

Cultural Experience

The festival is a celebration of global unity, bringing together kite enthusiasts from countries like Japan, Colombia, India, and Australia. The international parade on September 14 highlights traditional costumes and kite designs, reflecting cultural diversity.

Visitors can engage in workshops to learn about kite-making traditions, from Japanese Rokkaku to Chinese dragon kites. The event fosters a sense of freedom and creativity, with performances like choreographed kite ballets and street music enhancing the festive atmosphere. Dieppe’s maritime heritage adds a nautical charm, with kites soaring above the English Channel.

Food & Drinks

Dieppe’s coastal cuisine complements the festival:

• Must-Try Specialties: Fresh Dieppe scallops, moules marinières (mussels in white wine), and tarte normande (apple tart) at food stalls or restaurants like Le Turbot (12 Quai de la Cale, 76200 Dieppe).
• Drinks: Normandy cider, Calvados (apple brandy), and local beers are available at market stalls and nearby brasseries.
• Payment: Stalls may prefer cash (USD equivalent via local exchange); restaurants like La Musardière (61 Quai Henri IV, 76200 Dieppe) accept cards.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendliness: The festival is highly family-friendly, with a dedicated Children’s Day featuring teddy bear kite flights, balloon releases, and a wind maze. Workshops suit all ages, with supervision recommended for younger children.
• Accessibility: The seafront lawns and Pont Jehan Ango are wheelchair-accessible, with flat terrain. Some cobblestone areas in the historic center may pose challenges; contact organizers at +33 2 32 90 04 95 for accommodations.

Getting There

• By Air: The nearest major airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 170 km from Dieppe. Taxis (USD 150-200, 2 hours) or trains via Paris Gare Saint-Lazare (USD 20-30, 2 hours) connect to Dieppe.
• Public Transport: From Paris, take SNCF trains to Dieppe Station (Place Pierre Semard, 76200 Dieppe, USD 15-25). Local buses (USD 1-2) or a 10-minute walk reach the seafront.
• Parking: Free parking is available near Boulevard de Verdun; paid lots like Parking Quai du Carénage (USD 1-2/hour) are nearby.
• Walking: The seafront venues are within a 15-minute walk from Dieppe’s town center.

Program Details

• September 13: Festival opens with morning giant kite flights and evening performances at Pont Jehan Ango.
• September 14: Grand international parade through Dieppe’s streets, starting at Place Nationale, with cultural displays.
• Daily: Morning “giant bowl” kite flights, afternoon choreographed shows (weather-dependent), and workshops at Pelouses de la Plage.
• September 20: Night flight with illuminated kites at 20:00, featuring a sound and light show.
• September 21: Closing ceremonies with final kite displays and awards for creative competitions.
• Additional Features: A creative competition themed “asymmetrical balance” with a public prize, and an aerial photography exhibition, “Les Yeux du Vent.”

Cultural Significance

The festival underscores Dieppe’s maritime identity and its role as a cultural crossroads, celebrating global kite-making traditions while promoting peace and environmental consciousness. The 2025 poster honors the 200th anniversary of the Dieppe-Newhaven ferry link, tying the event to the town’s seafaring heritage. Its focus on universalism and intercultural exchange aligns with Normandy’s history of resilience and diversity.

Environmental Impact

The festival promotes sustainability through eco-friendly kite materials and waste management systems. Organizers encourage public transport use, with SNCF NOMAD offering special train discounts (USD 5-10 off round trips). The event’s conservation focus educates visitors on protecting coastal ecosystems, aligning with Dieppe’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

Nearby Attractions

• Château de Dieppe: 22 Rue de Chastes, 76200 Dieppe. A 15th-century castle with a museum (USD 5 entry).
• Estran Cité de la Mer: 37 Quai Henri IV, 76200 Dieppe. A maritime museum offering insights into Dieppe’s seafaring history (USD 7-10).
• Dieppe Beach: Boulevard de Verdun, 76200 Dieppe. A pebble beach is ideal for post-festival strolls.