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Located along the stunning Normandy coastline of France, Etretat is a picturesque town where nature’s artistic beauty takes center stage. Famous for its breathtaking cliffs that jut dramatically into the sea, the town has captivated artists like Claude Monet and travelers for centuries. From leisurely strolls along the scenic coastal paths to exploring the charming village and inviting cafes, Etretat offers a serene escape for travelers seeking natural beauty. In this post, you can find the best tips for visiting Etretat!
Cliffs of Etretat, France
Etretat, a coastal gem, will surely entice you with its natural wonders and quaint charm.
Its most iconic feature is a series of awe-inspiring cliffs that rise majestically from the sea, creating a breathtaking panorama. These sculpted limestone formations, including the famous ‘Elephant’ and ‘Needle’ arches, have been shaped over millennia by the relentless waves that bulk onto the shore.
Beyond its geological features, Etretat boasts a picturesque village consisting of charming architecture and cobbled streets. While you meander through its narrow lanes, you can discover cozy cafes, artisan boutiques, and small art galleries that add to the town’s cute character.
Unfortunately, Etretat has been discovered by mass tourism lately. There have been alarming reports that the small towns of only a little over 1000 inhabitants can’t swallow the large stream of tourists anymore during peak season.
Therefore, if you want to visit Etretat, be a conscious traveler and traveler out of the summer months. The cliffs will still be as beautiful!
Cliffs of Etretat, France
Etretat is located on the enchanting Normandy coast in northwestern France. Roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Paris, it’s easily accessible by car for a day trip or by a train and bus combination with a stop in the coastal city of Le Havre.
Etretat is also a must-visit if you are slowly traveling by van or camping car along the west coast of France. There are a dozen of charming towns along this coastal part of France, for exemple Honfleur, Deauville, and Trouville just to name a few.
The Aiguille and Porte d’ Aval
The cliffs of Etretat are the main draw and is the primary reason why travelers venture out to this part of France. Among them, the “Aiguille” is a towering needle-shaped pinnacle while the “Porte d’Aval” presents a dramatic arch. Equally captivating, the “Porte d’Amont” boasts a charming chapel atop its ridge.
These cliffs, composed primarily of chalk and flint, have been shaped over millions of years by the constant forces of wind and waves. The unique formations draw geologists, artists, and explorers to Etretat for a glimpse into the Earth’s geological history.
Hiking and photographing are the top things to do in Etretat while enjoying the charming flair of the picturesque town.
Etretat’s village has a timeless charm and is a picturesque spot on France’s Normandy coast. Cobblestone streets wind through lovely architecture, leading to cozy cafes and artisanal jewelry, and tourist shops.
The village’s rich maritime history is entangled in the town’s character, with fishermen’s cottages and historic structures offering a glimpse into its past. The atmosphere is both tranquil and inviting, inviting you to explore its hidden corners and soak in the coastal ambiance.
As said before, it’s best to travel to Etretat outside of the summer months to avoid over-tourism!
Etretat is a small town but it does have a few sights which makes it worth spending at least two days here. Aside from the beautiful cliffs, Etretat boasts the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, a beautiful wooden covered market, and Le Clos Lupin, a museum dedicated to the fictional character Arsène Lupin.
Here are the best things to do in Etretat!
“The hollow needle“, a book by Maurice Leblanc refers to the Aiguille
Hiking the cliffs of Etretat is the main thing to do in this lovely coastal area. The rock formations have a height of around 50 meters above sea level and offer dramatic views across the shore.
There are well-maintained coastal paths that allow you to hike along the cliffs and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. You can find different vantage points across the cliffs and great opportunities to take stunning photographs.
The duration of the hike depends on your pace and the specific trails you choose. A leisurely walk along the coastal paths to both arches and back to the village takes a few hours, including time for photo stops and enjoying the views.
It is possible to do the hiking in regular clothing and sneakers but you’ll feel more comfortable wearing proper boots and leggings for hiking.
Le Clos Lupin is a beautiful 19th century house in Etretat dedicated to gentleman burglar Arsène Lupin, the fictional character created by author Maurice Leblanc.
The house is the former residence of Maurice Leblanc and opened in 1999 as a museum open to visitors. During a guided tour through the Anglo-Norman style villa, you learn a number of personal things about the life and work of Maurice Leblanc.
The entrance fee is € 8,5 for adults and € 6 for children. Note that the museum is closed on Monday.
Etretat boasts a beautiful beach with magnificent views of the surrounding cliffs. It’s an ideal spot to put down your towel and enjoy a refreshing dip into the sea.
Furthermore, you can also rent a kayak or sup-boards or take a sailing trip. You can also walk in the rockpools at the foot of the cliffs but beware of the tides. It is possible to get trapped between the cliffs if you are not careful!
The town of Etretat is utterly charming with beautiful fishermen’s cottages and elegant Belle Époque buildings.
Take a leisurely stroll through the village to admire its charming architecture, while having a bite on the terrace of one of the charming French restaurants.
Also, don’t forget to visit the wooden covered market, “Le Vieuw Marché”, to find a great souvenir. The town also holds a lot of annual festivals. If you are into this, check out the Festival of the Sea which celebrates Etretat’s maritime heritage, or the Impressionist Festival celebrating the Impressionist art movement with art exhibitions and cultural events.
Notre Dame de la Garde, Etretat, France
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a charming chapel perched atop the “Porte d’Amont” cliff. It is a significant cultural and historical landmark that holds both religious and architectural importance. The chapel offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and cliffs, making it a popular attraction to visit.
You can reach the chapel by walking along the coastal paths from the village. The trail to the chapel is relatively well-marked, though some sections may involve uphill walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be cautious near the cliff edges. The entrance is free!
Next to the chapel, you can find l’Oiseau Blanc, a monument dedicated to two French pilots who presumably crashed their plane somewhere above Etretat but were never found.
Jardins d’Etretat
Les Jardins d’Etretat is a mesmerizing neo-futuristic haven that stretches across the enchanting cliffs of Etretat. It is not just a garden but a combination of natural sights and art that gracefully work together.
The gardens consist of seven different areas each with its own theme. Le Jardin émotions is by far the most popular part showcasing a set of expressively sculpted faces that capture the entire range of emotions.
The gardens are open every day from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. An entrance ticket costs € 14. Children up to the age of 14 only need to pay €7,50.
The best time to visit Etretat depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip.
Spring is a lovely time to visit, as the weather becomes milder and the landscape starts to bloom with colorful flowers. The cliffs and coastal paths are less crowded, making it a great time for peaceful walks and enjoying the scenic beauty.
July to August is the peak season in Etretat. The weather is at its best for water activities but be aware that the small town will be crawling with tourists. I would advise you not to visit during these months unless there’s really no other way.
Fall offers a quieter and more serene experience and is still great to visit. The weather remains pleasant and it’s a good time for hiking, photography, and enjoying the local culture.
Etretat is the easiest to reach by car but can be accessed by public transport too as a daytrip from Paris or Le Havre.
If you don’t have your own wheels look for a Le Havre-bound train in Paris and get of in Bréauté-Beuzeville station (followed by a 20-kilometer taxi ride) or stay seated all the way to Le Havre. From Le Havre, you can change to change to bus 13 or 509 for Etretat.
During the summer months, you can also book a direct Flixbus from Paris to Etretat.
Tours that include Etretat are also possible both from Le Havre and Etretat.
Les Turquoises Etretat – Boutique Hotel
Etretat is a small village, yet it boasts some cool accommodation options. There are no large hotel chains here but mainly local small boutique hotels and Bed&Brakfasts (Chambre d’Hotes).
It’s also with it to venture a little outside the town to escape the crowds! Here are a few accommodation options worth checking out:
Etretat has quite a few restaurants for being such a little town. don’t fall into the more tourist-trappy-like restaurants and choose one that is authentic and has reasonable prices for the quality of the food.
Restaurant/hotels in Etretat
Below, you can find some good options for both vegan travelers as well as carnivores. There are no fully vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Etretat.
→ PRO TIP: Are you a vegan traveler? Learn how to say that you are a vegan in French by using my guide!
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions by travelers who are thinking about visiting Etretat in France.
Yes, Étretat is definitely worth visiting! It’s a popular and iconic destination in Normandy, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning coastal landscapes. The main attraction in Étretat is its dramatic cliffs that rise from the sea. They offer a unique and picturesque landscape that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
Étretat is famous for several reasons, primarily due to its stunning natural beauty and its historical and cultural significance. It is mainly famous for its stunning chalk cliffs, as an inspiration for artists, and for its well-preserved architecture in town.
The ideal duration for your stay in Etretat can vary depending on your interests, travel pace, and the activities you’d like to engage in. Generally, I find that spending around 2 to 3 days in Etretat allows you to experience the main attractions and enjoy the town’s beauty.
Etretat is a relatively small town, and getting around within the town itself is quite manageable. Most of the attractions and points of interest are within walking distance of each other. Renting a bicycle is also a good option.
“Etretat” is a name that is believed to be derived from Old Norman and Old French origins. The exact etymology of the name is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from the Old Norse language. The Old Norse term “eyrr” means “gravelly beach” or “sandbank,” and it is thought that Étretat’s name may be related to this term.
Parking in Étretat can be a bit challenging, especially during peak tourist seasons when the town attracts a significant number of visitors. There are four paid parking spaces in and around the town, Parking du Grand Val, Parking de la Gare, Parking du Valaine, and Parking Place du Général de Gaulle.
Free parking is available at the route de Criquetot l’Esneval but this will require you to do a 20-minute walk to get to Etretat town. Camper are welcome here too.
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this guide to the town and cliffs of Etretat in Normandy.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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