Dieppe – Normandy Region France. May 10, 2025. Nestled in the heart of Normandy, the coastal city of Dieppe captures a rare blend of deep-rooted history, vibrant regional pride, and a motorsport legacy that refuses to fade with time. Set against a backdrop of lush green hills, medieval fortresses, and winding rural roads, Dieppe offers a unique experience—one that bridges the romanticism of old-world France with the adrenaline-fueled drama of modern rally racing.
Situated along the English Channel, Dieppe and its surrounding countryside are among the greenest regions in France, receiving an average annual rainfall between 35 and 43 inches. The land’s natural vibrancy is matched by its cultural richness. Here, each village, each stone in a castle wall, tells a story that locals fiercely preserve. In many ways, this deep connection to place is encapsulated by a singular French term: “chauvin.”
It’s worth clarifying—this is not to be confused with the English derivative “chauvinism,” which has come to mean blind prejudice or bias. The original French concept of chauvin describes an individual with unwavering devotion to their region, their town, their roots. The word itself is drawn from the name of Nicolas Chauvin, a soldier in the French army known for his extreme patriotism toward Napoleon Bonaparte. Even after Napoleon’s fall, Chauvin remained loyal—a symbol of steadfast allegiance to one’s identity and history.
This local pride is palpable throughout the towns of Normandy. You can see it in the care residents take in maintaining historic architecture, in the regional festivals, and even in the way people speak about their landscapes and ancestors. It is also proudly displayed in events like the Dieppe Rally, where motorsport meets cultural celebration.
A Legacy Carved Into the Roads
The Dieppe Rally isn’t just another regional event—it stands as a living piece of automotive history. Dieppe has long held a special place in the story of motorsport. On July 2, 1907, the town hosted one of the first major races in French history: the French Grand Prix. That day, 38 vehicles set off at one-minute intervals on a grueling 10-lap course, each lap stretching 77 kilometers (about 48 miles) over public roads. These early cars, limited to just around 50 horsepower and a top speed of 70 mph, tackled the same rural routes that still echo with the roar of engines today.
This early adoption of motorsport set the tone for Dieppe’s relationship with rallying. By the 1960s, a formal regional rally had been established, eventually becoming a fixture in the French Rally Championship. The course’s reputation was solidified by its narrow streets, unpredictable elevations, and shifting weather conditions that test even the most experienced drivers. The Dieppe Rally is not merely about speed; it’s a technical battle against terrain, timing, and Mother Nature herself.
Held annually during the first week of May—though its scheduling has occasionally shifted due to broader social or political factors—the rally draws a mix of amateur hopefuls and seasoned professionals. It is organized by ASA Val de Seine, a respected motorsport body that has preserved both the sport’s competitive edge and its connection to local culture.
One of the rally’s most beloved features is its inclusion of historic vehicles. Through the VHC (Véhicule Historique de Compétition) category, spectators get a glimpse of rally cars from bygone eras, roaring once again through the narrow lanes of Normandy. It’s not just a race—it’s a rolling museum, a celebration of automotive evolution.
Behind the Camera: The Photographer’s Challenge
For a motorsport photographer, covering a rally like Dieppe is a uniquely demanding endeavor. Unlike stadium sports where all the action unfolds within a confined, predictable space, a rally sprawls across dozens of miles of open road. The 2025 Dieppe Rally, for instance, ran across roughly 35 miles of rural tarmac, bending through old farming towns, forests, and coastal cliffs.
Capturing compelling images under these circumstances requires not only technical skill, but also strategic foresight. Once a car passes a given point, it won’t come back—it’s not circuit racing. To document more than a single flash of action, photographers must “leapfrog” the race, moving quickly to new vantage points ahead of the racers, hoping to catch them at the next leg before the restart. Timing is everything.
This year, I had the opportunity to immerse myself once again in the heart of Normandy to photograph the Dieppe Rally, a place I’ve come to know well over the past six years. Each visit reveals something new—whether it’s a hidden chapel in a hillside village, a long-forgotten monument, or simply a new shade of green that only exists here. And each year, the rally reminds me how motorsport and regional identity can be so tightly intertwined.
The 2025 Chapter: Porsche on Top
The 2025 edition of the Dieppe Rally brought a thrilling mix of innovation and nostalgia. The field ranged from finely-tuned modern rally machines to the lovingly restored VHC entries. Ultimately, Tony Cosson and Kevin Millet claimed victory in a Porsche 992 GT+, navigating the circuit’s complexity with both precision and aggression. Their performance was a testament not just to engineering, but to the kind of focus that this rally demands.
Witnessing such a win, set against the windswept beauty of northern France, made the experience even more meaningful. It’s a place where history is not just remembered—it’s relived.
Looking Ahead
As my time in Normandy drew to a close, I found myself once again overwhelmed with gratitude. For the region, which continues to offer inspiration with every visit. For the Dieppe Rally, a motorsport event that defies the flashiness of mainstream racing and instead delivers something much more authentic. And for the local organizers and volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each year’s rally goes off without a hitch.
Photographing this event is never easy. But then again, nothing worth capturing ever is.
I extend a heartfelt thank you to the ASA Val de Seine team for assisting with accreditation and access throughout the event. I am already counting down the months until I return. With Dieppe, the story is never over—there’s always another chapter waiting around the bend.