Étretat

26 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

7 places on the map

Nature

1
Pebble beach framed by two chalk cliffs
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Pebbles: wear sandals
- Swim near the lifeguard flags
- Sunset walks along the promenade
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
2
Iconic arch cliff with the Porte d'Aval
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk the cliff path at sunset
- Wind can be strong
- Stay behind the edge
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
3
Cliff on the east side with views over the town and arch
3 tips
- Steep climb from the beach
- Pair with the chapel
- Great at sunrise
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
4
Customs officers path along the clifftops
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Stay away from edges
- Best at sunset
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
5
Needle rock rising from the sea beside the Porte d'Aval
3 tips
- Best seen from the cliff path
- Tide changes the scene
- Bring a jacket
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
6
Charming seaside village with pebble beach
3 tips
- Quiet alternative to Étretat
- Walk the promenade
- Try local seafood
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
7
Pebble beach below the cliffs at Antifer, south-west of Étretat.
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place

Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.

Plan bus or car access: Etretat has no train station, so drive or take a regional bus from Le Havre, the nearest major rail hub.
Park outside the centre: the village is tiny and parking fills up fast in summer, so use the edge-of-town car parks and walk in.
Explore on foot: the beach, the village and both cliff paths are all walkable, so you will not need transport once you arrive.

Stay back from cliff edges: the chalk cliffs are crumbly and unfenced in places, so keep to marked paths and never stand near the edge.
Check the tides: rising water can cut off beaches below the cliffs, so check tide times before walking along the shore at low tide.
Wear proper footwear: the shingle beach and steep cliff paths can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes rather than sandals.

Hike for free: the clifftop walks to the Porte d'Aval, Manneporte and the Aiguille viewpoints cost nothing and give the best views.
Stay in Le Havre or Fecamp: accommodation in Etretat is limited and pricey in summer, so nearby towns can be better value.
Picnic on the cliffs: buy bread, cheese and cider from local shops and eat with a view rather than paying tourist restaurant prices.

Pack a windproof jacket: the Normandy coast is breezy and showery in every season, especially on exposed clifftops.
Expect mild summers: July and August are pleasant but rarely hot, so bring layers for cool evenings and the sea breeze.
Prepare for grey winters: winters are cool, damp and windy, so bring warm, waterproof clothing if you visit off season.

Follow Monet's footsteps: the Impressionists painted these cliffs, so look for the viewpoints that inspired Monet's famous canvases.
Taste Normandy flavours: try local cider, Calvados, seafood and cheeses such as Camembert and Neufchatel.
Greet shopkeepers: say bonjour when entering a shop or cafe in France; it is considered basic politeness.

Go early or late: the cliffs get crowded from late morning in summer, so visit at sunrise or in the evening for quieter paths and better light.
Walk both cliffs: most visitors only climb one side, but the Falaise d'Amont and Falaise d'Aval each give a different view of the arches.
Visit the Clos Lupin: this small house museum honours Arsene Lupin, the gentleman thief whose stories are set around Etretat.

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

Day 2 of 2

🕘 9:30–15:45📍 5 stops