Interview : Nicolas Langlois

Nestled between the chalk cliffs and the ever-moving waters of the English Channel, Dieppe has cultivated a distinctive identity: that of a historic port city with its eyes set on the horizon.

Explorers once departed from here; today, the city still breathes the spirit of adventure and exchange. With its seafront, château-museum and active harbor, Dieppe gracefully combines heritage with modernity.

It is against this evocative backdrop that the International Kite Festival takes place—an event that, far beyond the spectacle itself, embodies a vision of cultural dialogue.

We met with Nicolas Langlois, Mayor of Dieppe, on the sidelines of the 2025 edition. He spoke to us about what makes the city come alive…

Does the festival carry a message that goes beyond the spectacle?

Dieppe has a very strong attachment to the International Kite Festival. This event has been taking place for more than 40 years and returns every two years, bringing together kite flyers from all over the world.

The festival not only allows us to showcase Dieppe internationally, but also to promote a universal message of peace, respect and cooperation between countries and peoples.

For a city that is deeply committed to pacifist values, this dimension is particularly important to us. The kite thus becomes much more than a toy: it is a symbol of unity and harmony.

In a fragmented world, do you hope that events like this can serve as bastions of peace?

Yes, and Dieppe is proof of that. Our city has a long history of exploration, with sailors who travelled around the world and were among the first Europeans to explore Canada, for example.

We are a city of travelers, sailors and fishermen, and therefore naturally a welcoming place. Even today, we welcome ships from all over the world.

For us, welcoming kite flyers from 27 different countries has a profound significance. The event embodies a conviction that is very close to my heart: human beings are meant to live together.

When we respect one another, when we take the time to listen to each other and truly see one another, life becomes richer and more beautiful. It is under these conditions that we can create extraordinary things together and build a shared future.

How can a local event help bring distant countries, such as China, closer together?

China, the historic birthplace of the kite, naturally shares our passion for this form of aerial art.

But we have also strengthened this partnership through our seafood products. During the Herring Festival, we welcome Chinese journalists and visitors eager to discover our scallops and whelks.

Culture and gastronomy become powerful tools of economic and human diplomacy.

Why does Dieppe find it easier to engage in dialogue with countries with thousands of years of history?

Having a long history is like having deep roots. It provides stability, confidence and a form of wisdom that encourages dialogue.

China and Dieppe share this understanding of the long term. We know that genuine relationships are built over time, through respect and mutual curiosity.

One final word for those who have never seen the festival?

Come to Dieppe! You will see kites, of course, but you will also see smiles, exchanges and the positive energy of a city that believes in the future.

Here, the wind does not divide us—it brings us together.