Étretat map: top 10, museums, instagrammable, walking tour, where to eat, viewpoints, nature, free things to do, rainy day

10 places on the map

Top 10

1
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
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2
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
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3
Small chapel on the Falaise d'Amont
3 tips
- Open seasonally
- Beautiful view from the terrace
- Mind the wind
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4
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
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5
Pebble beach framed by two chalk cliffs
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Pebbles: wear sandals
- Swim near the lifeguard flags
- Sunset walks along the promenade
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6
Huge natural arch beyond the Porte d'Aval
3 tips
- Reached by the coastal path
- Visit at low tide
- Wear sturdy shoes
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7
Contemporary sculpture gardens overlooking the cliffs
3 tips
- Entry fee applies
- Great for photos
- Allow 1 hour
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8
Museum in the home of Arsène Lupin creator Maurice Leblanc
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Fun for fans of the books
- Allow 1 hour
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9
Neo-Gothic palace and distillery with an art museum in Fécamp
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Tasting included with the visit
- Allow 90 minutes
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10
Wooden covered market in the centre of the town
3 tips
- Market days: Thursday and Sunday
- Browse local crafts
- Good for souvenirs
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Before you go: Étretat tips

Transportation

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.

Security

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.

Saving

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.

Weather/Clothing

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.

Cultural

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.

Local Hacks

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.

Étretat

Top 10

Take this map with you

Before you go: Étretat tips

Transportation

Security

Saving

Weather/Clothing

Cultural

Local Hacks

1-day itineraries in Étretat

Clos Arsène Lupin – Maison Maurice Leblanc and around

Manneporte and around

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