If you’re wondering what to do and see in Étretat, which places to visit, then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a summary of the very best of Étretat.
The dramatic cliffs and rock formations
Visit Etretat and you’ll soon become familiar with the names given to the extraordinary rock formations carved out of chalk and flint on either side of the town, such as the Aval cliff and arch, Amont cliff, Courtine, Manneporte, Roc Vaudieu and Aiguille de Belval. Some think the Aval cliff and arch resemble the head of an elephant dipping its trunk into the waves. Others reckon, like the great Norman author Guy de Maupassant, that a ship with all its sails unfurled could pass through the colossal Manneporte arch.
Where can I enjoy the best views of the cliffs?
Come at off-peak times
To make the most of Etretat and the breathtaking views over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, we recommend planning your visit for the ‘off-peak’ hours, early in the morning or in the evening. You’ll discover the cliffs in peace and quiet, sublimated by the beautiful lights that the Impressionist painters fell for.
From the Jardins d’Étretat (Étretat Gardens)
Sometimes you just need to take a step back to enjoy a unique view. Instead of walking along the promenade or climbing up to the cliffs above (where the chapel is) or the cliffs below, you can visit the Jardins d’Étretat, which not only have a poetic atmosphere, but also offer an unbeatable view of the famous needle.
From the sea
Another original way of discovering Étretat and its photogenic arch is to go out to sea. You can discover Étretat from a completely different angle by paddling. Finally, horse-riding enthusiasts will be able to take some wonderful pictures of the sunset in Étretat.
From Fécamp, join Captain Asterix on board an old sailing ship to discover Étretat from the sea.
From all of the Alabaster Coast
You can also admire the impressive limestone cliffs along the 130 km of the Alabaster Coast. Don’t hesitate to explore them!
A different way to discover Étretat
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
Help us preserve this beautiful setting
Stay away from the edge of the cliffs
We’ll say it again and again: cliffs are a natural environment that can be dangerous due to erosion. Information boards and markings are there for your safety and to preserve nature. As a general rule, never go too close to the edge.
Pick up any waste
Because respecting the environment is everyone’s business, remember to bring a plastic bag to collect your rubbish during busy periods such as the summer season.
Leave the pebbles where they are!
Finally, while it may be tempting to bring back some pretty pebbles, this should be avoided as they act as a natural barrier against storms.
Make the most of the beach
Surrounded by impressive cliffs above and below, Étretat beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy. Sit facing the sea and listen to the waves crashing on the pebbles. In summer, the beach is quickly overcrowded, so we recommend coming early in the morning or late afternoon. Teenagers will love the floating diving board. Parents can relax while the children swim or sort through the pebbles to find the most glittering ones.
But Etretat beach can also be enjoyed in rough weather, when the waves are impressive. The seafront promenade is ideal for watching the show. Take a seat on the terrace and watch Mother Nature at work!
When is the best time of day to make the most of the beach in Étretat?
Early in the morning
Even if you’re not an early bird, the sight of the sun rising over Étretat in the early hours of the morning is well worth the effort. Come and experience that indescribable feeling of having such a landscape all to yourself… It truly is magical!
After 4 pm
At this time of day, the beach gets less crowded. You can then lie down on the pebbles (and take a few minutes to find a comfortable position!) or go for a swim, admire the landscape that once inspired Impressionist painters such as Monet, and enjoy the breathtaking show of the sunset over Étretat.
Étretat’s unmissable sites
01
Clos Arsène Lupin
Even if you’re not familiar with the amusing, much-loved gentleman burglar Arsène Lupin and his accomplice Grognard, created by French author Maurice Leblanc, it’s great fun finding out all about them at Le Clos Lupin, a fine 19th century villa once owned by Leblanc, and taking part in your own detective mystery.
02
Jardins d’Étretat
This stunning garden, created by landscape architect Alexandre Grivko, sits atop the cliff to the east of Etretat and is a beautiful modern addition to the town. In 1905, Madame Thebault, a famous actress of the early twentieth century and close friend of Claude Monet, built a house and started a small avant-garde garden here. That same garden is now home to incredible stone sculptures and immaculately sculpted shrubs, and looks out over the magnificent Etretat cliffs and sea, a the perfect pit stop for lovers of both Impressionism and contemporary art.
03
Nungesser et Coli Monument
This needle-like monument behind the Church of Notre-Dame de la Garde in 1963 recalls two French aviation heroes from World War I who in 1927 attempted the first flight across the Atlantic. Nungesser and Coli’s plane, Oiseau Blanc, was last seen flying over the cliffs here in Etretat.
04
Notre Dame de la Garde Chapel
From the town centre, a grand staircase leads up to the Notre Dame de la Garde chapel on the clifftop. From up there, the view of the cliff below, the arch and the Aiguille Creuse is so romantic. The chapel is also very photogenic (but closed to the public). Look out for the fish-headed gargoyles.
05
Follow in the footsteps of Monet and his friends
On the seafront there are panels dedicated to the paintings of a certain Claude Monet. Other artists and writers inspired by this pretty little village include Maupassant, Courbet, Caillebotte and Boudin.
06
Etretat Golf Course
This golf course gets full marks for its incredible location on the cliffs to the west of the town, and makes for a memorable golfing experience. British fans of Etretat were central in founding this course early in the 20th century; in fact, the first president was Viscount Bernard Forbes, 8th Count of Granard and a Liberal politician. The course was designed in 1908 with the help of Arnaud Massy, an exceptional French golf player who taught golf at Etretat and went down in golfing history as the first non-Brit to win the Open Championship (British Open).
Hiking and cycling in Étretat
Take your time, travel at your own pace. The 180km GR® 21, from Le Havre to Le Tréport, was crowned “France’s favourite GR®” in 2020. If you’re planning to visit Étretat in the near future, we recommend the section that follows the coast from Étretat to La Poterie-Cap-d’Antifer.
The Vélomaritime is a Euro-Véloroute between France and Eastern Europe. The route runs along the Alabaster Coast from Le Tréport to Le Havre. Étretat, with its impressive cliffs, is on the route. Then, depending on your level, you’ll continue along the Côte Fleurie, the Cotentin Peninsula, with a grand finale at the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, just before reaching Brittany.
Useful information for your stay in Étretat
How do I get to Étretat?
By train: From April to the beginning of November, the SNCF offers combined train and coach tickets from Paris from €19 per journey.
Out of season, you can take the train to Fécamp or Le Havre station. From there you can take the NOMAD coach.
By coach: From Le Havre or Fécamp, take the 509 Nomad line Le Havre – Étretat – Fécamp (via the coast) or the 13 LiA line Le Havre Gare – Étretat.
There are also long-distance bus services in high season between Paris and Etretat.
Getting around Étretat
By bike: You can hire bikes in Étretat (Panda Motion electric bike hire), at Les Loges, 6km from Étretat (E-Motion) and in Fécamp (Coffee Bike).
By car: If you’re travelling by car, you may have to be patient to find a parking space. You can park for free at the entrance to the village, on the route de Criquetot-l’Esneval (la Guezane). A footpath will then take you to the Chemin des Haules.
Market day in Étretat
The Etretat market is held every Thursday morning around the covered market.
Things to see and do near Étretat
01
Fécamp, a lively seaside town
Just fifteen kilometres from Étretat, Fécamp is one of the must-see towns on the Alabaster Coast. Take a seat on one of the town’s many terraces, either in the centre or overlooking the sea, and sample the local produce. A stroll along Fécamp’s large pebble beach at sunset is highly recommended.
02
Yport
Just 10 kilometres from Étretat, this former fishing village is full of charm. The beach huts are delightful, and you could spend hours watching the changing lights and colours on the sea.
03
Vaucottes
Once you’ve seen this breathtaking view of the Alabaster Coast, you’ll want to come back! A picturesque road leading from Vattetot-sur-Mer via the Bois des Hogues or from Yport along the coast will take you to this panorama. Down below, the charm of the historic villas takes over.
04
Le Havre
A change of scenery. Here we are in Le Havre, a large city by the sea with unique architecture. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tram will take you to the beach. This unique port-city is full of surprises!
05
Dieppe
With its deep harbour protected by white cliffs, Dieppe has long been a favourite destination for cross-Channel visitors. As for daring Dieppe sailors, they explored the globe. Learn about the town’s history at Dieppe Castle, Cité de la Mer and theatre dedicated to the tragic Dieppe Raid of 1942. Head for the beach, quays and restaurants, and don’t miss the town’s famous Saturday morning market, voted ‘France’s Finest Market’ in 2020.
