The best time to visit Étretat
Étretat is worth visiting all year round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for making the most of the coastal paths. Summer charms visitors with its lively atmosphere, water sports and long evenings by the sea, whilst winter reveals a wilder side to the Alabaster Coast, where the cliffs take on a spectacular appearance.
Day 1: Étretat’s must-sees
Morning: the famous cliffs and the beach
You simply cannot visit Étretat without exploring its famous pebble beach, framed by the majestic white chalk cliffs. From the shore, the view is exceptional. You can admire the Porte d’Amont, the Porte d’Aval – whose silhouette resembles an elephant plunging its trunk into the sea – the monumental Manneporte, and the famous Aiguille Creuse, standing 70 metres tall. Immortalised by the Impressionists and made famous by Maurice Leblanc in the adventures of Arsène Lupin, these landscapes are among the most beautiful in France. The cliffs are the result of millions of years of marine erosion and today offer a natural spectacle that is constantly changing with the tides.
Afternoon: heritage and panoramic views
Next, head up to higher ground along the GR21, voted one of France’s most beautiful hiking trails. From the cliffs, the view over the English Channel and the Alabaster Coast is simply spectacular. Stop off at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Chapel, built in the 19th century as a tribute to seafarers.
Nearby is also the Nungesser and Coli monument, which pays tribute to the two French aviators who went missing whilst attempting to cross the Atlantic in 1927. Continue your exploration with the Jardins d’Étretat. A true work of landscape art, this garden combines living sculptures, contemporary installations and exceptional viewpoints , set against the cliffs. Winners of the European Garden Award, they are now among the town’s must-see attractions. Before heading back down towards the centre, don’t miss the Clos Lupin, the former home of Maurice Leblanc. This interactive museum immerses visitors in the world of the famous gentleman thief Arsène Lupin through an original and immersive tour.
In the late afternoon, take a detour to the majestic Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, built as early as the 12th century. A blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, it bears witness to Étretat’s rich historical past.
In the evening: sunset over the Alabaster Coast
As the sun sets over the English Channel, the cliffs are bathed in magnificent shades of gold and pink. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the Promenade du Perrey, Étretat’s seafront, before dining in one of the resort’s restaurants. On the menu: fresh fish, seafood, mussels in cream sauce, roasted Camembert or a Normandy tart, accompanied by a glass of cider or calvados.
Day 2: Exploring the Alabaster Coast
Morning: Fécamp and the coastal villages
Less than 20 kilometres from Étretat, Fécamp is well worth a visit.
Visit the Palais Bénédictine, where the famous liqueur is produced, then the Fisheries Museum, which traces the town’s maritime history. From its viewing point, the view over the harbour is remarkable. You can also discover the charming village of Yport, a former fishing port with an authentic atmosphere, or the Valleuse d’Antifer, a protected natural area where the sea and cliffs meet in an unspoilt setting.
Afternoon: experiencing the cliffs in a different way
To discover Étretat from a different angle, set off on a kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or boat trip. Viewing the natural arches from the sea allows you to fully appreciate their impressive scale. Hiking enthusiasts can continue their walk along the GR21, which runs alongside the cliffs and crosses the famous ‘valleuses’ – those small valleys typical of the Pays de Caux, which sometimes open out onto hidden beaches. The cliffs are also home to remarkable flora and fauna. Depending on the season, you may spot gulls, seagulls, peregrine falcons or even sea kale, the iconic plant of the Normandy coastline.
Where to eat?
Étretat is brimming with great places to savour Normandy’s specialities. Take a seat overlooking the sea at Le Homard Bleu to enjoy fish and seafood, or treat yourself to seasonal cuisine and local produce at Le Bel Ami. Make the most of your stay to discover the must-try dishes of Normandy’s gastronomy: oysters, scallops (in season), Camembert, Neufchâtel and the famous teurgoule, the traditional dessert made from rice pudding flavoured with cinnamon.
Preserving an exceptional natural site
The cliffs of Étretat are as fragile as they are spectacular. To preserve this natural heritage, it is essential to stay on the marked paths, keep away from the cliff edges and refrain from collecting pebbles, which play a vital role in protecting the coastline from erosion. By following these simple guidelines, everyone can help preserve the beauty of the Alabaster Coast for future generations.
Why choose Étretat?
Less than three hours’ drive from Paris, Étretat offers a real breath of fresh sea air. With its heritage, spectacular landscapes, fine cuisine, outdoor activities and charming villages, it is the ideal destination for a getaway in Normandy. As we approach MILLENIUM – 2027, which will mark the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, Normandy is gearing up for an exceptional year. Exhibitions, shows, historical re-enactments, culinary events and festivities will take place across the region, offering a unique opportunity to discover its medieval heritage. A weekend in Étretat could therefore form part of a longer stay exploring Normandy, the cradle of a history that has shaped the whole of Europe.
Whether you’re a keen walker, a photography enthusiast, a lover of the sea or simply looking for a rejuvenating weekend, Étretat is a destination that leaves no one indifferent.
Which campsite should you choose?
To make the most of your stay in Étretat, there are several campsites to choose from near the cliffs and along the entire Alabaster Coast. Whether you’re travelling in a tent, caravan, motorhome or mobile home, you’ll easily find the perfect accommodation for exploring Étretat, Fécamp, Yport and the treasures of Seine-Maritime.