Is Étretat worth a visit?
Why this detour to Normandy?
Here’s our list of the top 7 reasons to visit Étretat, one of the jewels of Normandy: cliffs, art, gastronomy…
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Étretat worth a visit?
Yes, Étretat is well worth a visit.
Admittedly, it suffers from hypertourism, but it remains an exceptional place, between the charm of the village and the natural beauty of the chalk cliffs.
If you can visit outside weekends and summer vacations, you’ll be able to fully discover all it has to offer.
It’s one of our favorite places in Normandy.
WHERE TO STAY IN Étretat
Option 1: on the cliffs
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair with lots of charm – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Dormi House and its magnificent views – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the center
We recommend..:
- B&B Les Tilleuls Etretat, close to the sea and easy to reach – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Le Rayon Vert, facing the sea – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: in the surrounding countryside
We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Pins de César, in a green setting – see prices, photos and availability
Reason 1: for the magnificent cliffs
Étretat is most famous for its white cliffs. They are part of the Côte d’Albâtre, where the high cliffs are made of chalk (over 70m high).
In Étretat, there are several arches and formations. Most of them are on the south side called “Falaise d’Aval”.
One of the most famous formations is the “Aiguille Creuse”, where the fictional character Arsène Lupin (invented by the author Maurice Leblanc) hides a treasure.
But more than that, you can walk along the cliffs for impressive views in all directions.
It really is one of Étretat’s must-sees.
Reason 2: for its landscapes and lights that have inspired painters
Take time to admire all the colorful details of the cliffs, pebbles and village. These views inspired many artists, particularly the Impressionists in the 19th century.
The majestic cliffs, sculpted by the whims of the sea, offered artists an infinitely changing visual palette. The play of light and shadow created by the setting sun and the changing seasons stimulated the creativity of Monet, Boudin and many others.
Take a break and enjoy the show.
It’s even better with a few clouds!
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 3: for its surprising garden
Étretat is a place where art is mixed with reality. The cliffs and the sky have long inspired painters.
Recently, Étretat has developed a garden in this spirit.
It is a unique place to visit because nature is really linked to art.
We enjoyed the interaction of the trees and plants with the works of art, as well as the views over the Étretat valley. The combination makes the garden unique.
Reserve your entrance to the gardens
Reason 4: for its literary link with Arsène Lupin
In addition to its reputation as an inspiration to the Impressionists, the site is also associated with the world of fiction, with the work of Maurice Leblanc, creator of the famous Arsène Lupin character.
The writer set some of his gentleman burglar’s adventures in Étretat, giving the village a mysterious and captivating literary dimension. In “L’Aiguille Creuse” (The Hollow Needle), one of our most famous novels, the cliffs are home to secret caves providing hiding places and daring flying scenes. This gives the village an air of intrigue.
The Lupin series on Netflix has rekindled this connection.
At Clos Arsène Lupin, enjoy a 7-step program to discover Maurice Leblanc, the author, and Arsène Lupin, his famous character (See opening hours here).
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Reason 5: for its romanticism
Étretat is an ideal place to spend a romantic holiday.
The sunsets illuminating the white cliffs can be unforgettable.
In and around Etretat, you’ll find some great places to stay.
We particularly like the Hotel Le Donjon, pictured below. Each room is unique, and the cocooning atmosphere is a real success.
See prices, pictures and availability.
For more ideas, see our article on the best hotels in Étretat.
And for more ideas for romantic weekends in Normandy, check out this article.
Reason 6: for hiking
From Etretat, you can also head upstream or downstream along the magnificent cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre. These coastal paths offer breathtaking views and are part of the GR21 long-distance hiking trail. These trails take you to d’Aiguille Creuse, the Manneporte Arch and more.
So pack your good walking shoes and set off on an adventure.
Beware, however, that you are on chalk cliffs. The edges are therefore not stable. Don’t get too close!
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Reason 7: for its restaurants
There’s less choice than in Honfleur, but you’ll still find some very good restaurants in Étretat.
Our favorite restaurants so far are:
- The Bel-Ami for a bistronomic
- The Restaurant of the Domaine Saint-Clair for a gastronomic
- The Dormy House restaurant for its exceptional view
For a more complete review, check out our article on where to eat in Etretat.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Etretat
- What to do in Étretat
- Where to stay in Étretat
- Where to eat in Étretat
- The gardens of Étretat – coming soon
- The beach of Étretat – coming soon
Some disadvantages of a trip to Étretat
Tourists
Étretat is a popular tourist destination set in a small valley. As a result, crowds can be very large on sunny weekends and during the summer months.
We recommend visiting in winter. The skies can be very beautiful at this time of year or, at least, avoid them at weekends.
Parking
Crowds and small valleys mean difficult parking.
Large parking lots have been set up at the entrance to the village, in addition to those in the village, which quickly fill up. But that’s not always enough.
Slopes
To climb the cliffs, you have to take steep slopes and/or stairs.
This requires a minimum level of physical fitness.
Weather
The location is in the northern half of France, by the sea. So we can’t guarantee beautiful sunshine.
But whatever the weather, the place is magnificent. Cloudy skies also bring a lot to the table.
An alternative way to admire the cliffs
Given the world, you may be looking for an alternative.
The entire coastline between Le Havre and Le Tréport is made up of limestone cliffs.
They’re beautiful everywhere;
But you won’t find arch and needle formations anywhere else. Etretat is unique in this sense.
Among our other favorites:
- Cap Fagnet in Fécamp
- Le Tréport behind the historic quarter
- La Gorge des Moutiers in Varangeville (hiking)
- Saint-Pierre-en-Port at low tide
See more ideas in our article on the Côte d’Albatre.
How to get to Étretat
- You can’t reach it by train. You must get off the train from Paris or Rouen to Le Havre at the Breauté-Beuzeville station and then take the bus line 17 (30min journey)
- You can also take the bus from Le Havre (line 24)
- The easiest way is by car – our tips for renting a car in France.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
