Fécamp developed over the centuries to become the leading French cod-fishing port, and a museum is devoted to the "Terre-neuvas", the Fécamp fishermen who caught cod in the waters off Newfoundland. The fishermen's houses can be seen by the port, and their chapel on the cliffs, with its votive boats (which express a wish) is worth the visit.
Situated on the alabaster Coast, Fécamp's authenticity and natural charm appeal to visitors. The abbey church of the Holy Trinity, the palace of the Dukes of Normandy and the rich collections in the terre-veuvas museum are not to be missed. The heady perfume of plants and spices which go into the famous liquor make it difficult to pass by the impressive Benedictine Palace without stepping inside.

A  few miles from Fécamp, visit the little fishing village of Yport in its quiet valley. In 1929, Yport was classified as a seaside resort, and welcomed many celebrities, including Dieterle, Maupassant, Gide, Laurens and Boudin. The resort architecture of that period is still well represented in Fécamp, Yport and Vattetot-sur-Mer. Its eclectic style combines Art Nouveau and Neo-Norman, characterised by large volumes and wide bay windows.

 

 

 

Worth a visit

 

 

 

 

• Musée des Terre-neuvas et de la pêche (Museum of Terre-Neuvas and the fishing industry)
  Fécamp was the capital of the Newfoundland fishermen for over a century. This museum sets out to display the maritime history of Fécamp, and especially the traditions to do with fishing.
  Built on an ideal site on the seafront, it recounts the great adventure of the sailors from Fécamp who went fishing for cod on the Newfoundland Banks. 
  
• Le Palais Bénédictine (Benedictine Palace)
  This unusual building invites you to discover a story, and a product. Benedictine has been produced in this exceptional site, and exported all over the world, for over a century.
  The Palais Bénédictine contains three centres of interest :
  - A collection of religious objets d'art from the 15th and 16th centuries, displayed in a series of neo-gothic and neo-renaissance rooms, just as they were at the end of the 19th century.
  - A distillery in which the famous liquor is prepared.
  - A gallery of modern art.
  
  
• Le Palais Ducal (Ducal Palace)
  Facing the abbey church, the remains of the ducal palace recall the attachment felt by the descendants of the Norman Rolland to Fécamp. The site gives an idea of what housing was like in the 10th and 11th centuries. Behind the abbey church, the old town bears witness to Fécamp's rich past : the houses in the rue Arquaise and the rue de l'hôpital (15th century and 17th century), Hostellerie de la Fleur de Lys (Hôtel du grand Cerf 16th century), rue des Forts.
  
  
• Musée Centre des Arts (Art Centre Museum) : a remarkable collection of works, displayed in a former town house, surrounded by an important arboretum.
  
  
• L'Abbatiale de la Trinité (abbey church of the Trinity)
  The abbey church of the Trinity, a masterpiece of primitive gothic (12th century) has the grandeur of a cathedral. This church possesses numerous gems, including the chapel of the Virgin and its 14th century stained glass, the remains of the 15th century rood screen, the 16th century Italian-style balustrades, and an important baldaquin in gilded wood from the 18th century. The Dukes of Normandy, Richard I and Richard II are buried here.
  
  
• Church of St-Etienne: This church retains the transept, apse, and south door of its vast 16th century construction project. Fine Renaissance columns in the middle of the church.