Etretat

Étretat is a seaside town on the Alabaster Coast (Côte d'Albâtre) in Seine-Maritime, world-famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arch formations. The three iconic arches — the Manneporte, the Porte d'Aval, and the Porte d'Amont — have inspired artists including Monet, Courbet, and Boudin, and remain the signature image of the Normandy coast.

Étretat is accessible by car from Le Havre (30 km) or from Paris via the A29 and A13 motorways. There is no train station in Étretat — the nearest is Bréauté-Beuzeville or Le Havre, from which buses run to Étretat. Bus services from Le Havre are seasonal.

Étretat is small and best explored on foot. The cliffs, the beach, and the town center are all within walking distance. The climb to the clifftop viewpoints requires moderate fitness.

• The cliffs of Étretat — the Porte d'Aval, Porte d'Amont, and Manneporte arches

• Plage d'Étretat — the pebble beach between the cliffs

• Le Jardin d'Étretat — a clifftop garden with contemporary sculptures

• Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde — a small chapel perched on the cliff above Porte d'Amont

• Musée du Patrimoine — local history museum in the town center

• Walk the clifftop path from the Porte d'Amont to the Porte d'Aval and beyond

• Visit the garden of Étretat

• Play golf at the clifftop golf course with panoramic views

• Swim at the beach (lifeguards in season)

• Take a paragliding or hang-gliding flight over the cliffs

Seafood restaurants line the beachfront, serving mussels, fish, and oysters. Galettes and crêpes are available at casual eateries. The town has several crêperies and bistros.

Cafés along the beachfront and in the main square serve coffee, cider, and Calvados. The Bar de la Plage is a popular spot.

Accommodation ranges from beachfront hotels with cliff views to chambres d'hôtes in the town center. Holiday villas are available for longer stays.

Town center shops sell souvenirs celebrating the cliffs, local cider, and artisan products. There is a market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

• Le Havre — 30 km south, a UNESCO-listed reconstructed city
• Honfleur — 25 km south across the Pont de Normandie
• Fécamp — 20 km east, with the Bénédictine Palace
• Rouen — 90 km southeast via A29