Coastal town in Normandy known for its striking white chalk cliffs and natural stone arches. Pebbly beach, artistic gardens, and landscapes that inspired Monet await visitors.
Étretat, a small coastal town in Normandy, is known for its white chalk cliffs and natural stone arches that jut out into the English Channel. You can explore the town center with its covered market hall, relax on the pebbly beach, or visit the artistic Jardins d'Etretat. The area's landscapes have inspired many artists and writers, including Claude Monet and Guy de Maupassant.
The Cliffs and Arches of Étretat
The white chalk cliffs of Étretat are the town's main draw, with three natural arches and a pointed formation called L'Aiguille (The Needle). You can see the Porte d'Aval and Porte d'Amont arches from the town, while the larger Manneporte arch requires a short walk. These limestone formations rise up to 90 meters (295 feet) above the sea. The cliffs are part of the Alabaster Coast, a 140 km stretch of white cliffs between the Seine and Somme estuaries.
Hiking the Coastal Paths
You can experience the beauty of Étretat by walking along the GR21 long-distance hiking path. This trail runs along the cliff tops, providing views of the coastline and the English Channel. You can take a short walk to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Garde for a view of the town and cliffs, or go on a longer hike to see more of the coastline. Wear sturdy shoes and stay away from the cliff edges, as there are often no safety barriers.
Exploring the Town Center
In Étretat's town center, you'll find a mix of medieval and early 20th-century architecture. Start at the covered market hall on Place Foch, a reproduction of a medieval wooden structure that now houses souvenir shops. Around the square, you'll see half-timbered buildings, some with detailed wood carvings. As you walk through the streets, you'll pass by small cottages once inhabited by fishermen and larger houses built when Étretat became a popular seaside resort in the early 1900s.
The Gardens of Étretat
The Jardins d'Etretat, located on the Amont Cliff, combine art installations with landscaped gardens. You'll find "living sculptures" and neo-futuristic designs throughout the seven themed areas. Each area has its own atmosphere and artistic concept. From the gardens, you can also see the coastline and the Needle rock formation.
Beaches and Water Activities
Étretat's beach is covered in pebbles rather than sand, but you can still sunbathe or swim in the sea. The beach is somewhat sheltered from winds by the surrounding cliffs. You can also try kayaking or paddleboarding, which allow you to see the cliffs from the water. Check tide times before going out, as some areas may be inaccessible during high tide.
Getting to Étretat
Étretat is about 200 kilometers northwest of Paris. You can drive there in approximately 2.5 hours from the capital. If you're using public transportation, take a train to Le Havre and then a bus to Étretat. This journey takes about 3 hours in total. Spring and autumn are good times to visit, with mild weather and fewer visitors than in summer.
