Looking for a family getaway in Étretat? Its emblematic white cliffs and natural heritage make it an ideal destination to discover with your children. Between fascinating legends, seaside walks and fun activities, we loved (re)discovering this jewel of Normandy.
Here’s our guide to planning your visit toÉtretat with children, featuring 10 kid-friendly activities to keep your little travelers entertained.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Étretat with children: a good idea?
Yes, Étretat is very family-friendly. Your children will love exploring the cliffs, listening to the legends of the Aiguille Creuse or having fun in the famous Jardins d’Étretat. With its beaches, Little Tourist Train and treasure hunts, this destination combines adventure, nature and relaxation.
1. Discover the cliffs: the Aiguille Creuse and its mysteries
Why visit with children?
In Étretat, you’ll notice several arches and rock formations. Most of them are on the south side, known as the “Falaise d’Aval”.
One of the best-known formations is the “Aiguille Creuse”, where the fictional Arsène Lupin (invented by author Maurice Leblanc) hides treasure. These cliffs, and especially the Aiguille Creuse, will be a source of fascination for the whole family! We loved the views, both from the beach and from the heights, which are truly spectacular and invite you to imagine beautiful stories.
Practical advice
- Access to the trails is free of charge from downtown Étretat, but you and your children will need suitable footwear.
- Be careful as there are no safety barriers on the trail.
- Use a baby carrier rather than a stroller if you’re out and about with toddlers.
- To explore in complete safety, check the tide tables on the Tourist Office website here.
- Let yourself be tempted by a guided hike on the mythical cliffs of Étretat!
2. Venture into the Gardens of Étretat
Why visit with children?
Are you looking for a suspended place that combines nature and art, and appeals to the whole family? Visit the famous Jardins d’Étretat. We enjoyed looking for the sculptures hidden in the vegetation, such as the famous “Raindrops”. Running along the paths, admiring the breathtaking views of the cliffs, observing the round hedges and bushes… It’s an unforgettable experience in a place that’s as atypical as it is poetic!
See more photos in our dedicated article
Practical advice
- Located on the Falaise d’Amont at Étretat
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulties: steep path on the Étretat heights to reach the entrance, partially sloping garden
- Access: gardens located in the protected natural area of the Falaise d’Amont, so impossible to get to by car; 3 options for boarding the tourist train in summer, footpath starting at the end of the seafront (with steep steps), walking along the road via rue Jules Gerbeau and then avenue Damilaville (several parking lots in the town center: Place de la Mairie, Place de Gaulle, Plage d’Étretat, Parking du Grand Val…).
- Price: Full adult fare €12.50; youth fare 15 to 17 €10; child fare 8 to 14 and PRM €7.50, free for children under 7.
- Opening hours: open from February 17 to March 31, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily from April 1 to July 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from July 13 to August 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., from August 26 to November 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from November 4 to December 15, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed from late December to mid-February – (see official website for updates here).
- Book your ticket now!
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
3. Board the Petit Train d’Étretat
Why visit with children?
The Little Tourist Train is a fun and practical way to discover Étretat. You’ll enjoy this guided walk, which highlights key points of the town and the cliffs. In high season, it loops between the parking lots, the beach and the chapel, as well as the gardens at the top of the northern cliffs. Your kids will love climbing aboard and feeling like they’re on a little adventure!
Practical advice
- Open from April to October, with regular departures
- Prices: adults €7 per adult, children aged 3 to 12 €5, free for children under 3.
- More info on the official website here
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4. Let yourself be charmed by local legends
Why visit with children?
Étretat is also a land of legends, such as the Chambre des Demoiselles. Add a mysterious dimension to your visit! Walking along the heights, we spotted the famous crevasse where they would have hidden to escape Baron de Fréfossé. There are many other local stories that make this town so captivating. This will make your ride even more captivating and immersive!
Practical advice
- Étretat’s local legends, such as the Aiguille Creuse and the Chambre des Demoiselles, add a touch of magic to your visit.
- Explanatory panels and themed trails will help you learn more.
- Contact the Tourist Office here for family-friendly guided tours.
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.
5. Explore the waterfront and beaches
Why visit with children?
We enjoyed the peace and quiet and, above all, the view from the Étretat seafront. It is bounded by the 2 cliffs, d’Amont and d’Aval, which we took the time to contemplate from another angle. The wide promenade is ideal for children to enjoy a leisurely stroll. You can also go in search of pebbles in original shapes and build little towers on the beach. We recommend you to visit it at low tide and at high tide, as it has a completely different appearance. In fact, we’ve listed it as one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy! At low tide, you can explore much more than just Étretat’s main beach. There are tunnels and staircases in the cliffs to descend, or cross at the base, to gain access to other beaches. It involves walking on ladders and rocks, but it’s a fun adventure! However, start before low tide so you don’t get stuck, and don’t stand still under the cliffs as rocks frequently fall.
Practical advice
- Beach located west of the city
- Duration: 1h to 1h30min
- Difficulties: pebble beach, so wear closed-toe shoes, no disabled facilities on the beach, check tide times, rock falls at the foot of the cliffs.
- Access: parking in the area is difficult, so use the Place du Général de Gaulle parking lot and then walk there.
- Price: free walk along the beach and seafront
- Opening hours: open 24/7
6. Immerse yourself in the world of Musée Clos Lupin
Why visit with children?
Next stop: the Musée Clos Lupin, former home of author Maurice Leblanc, for a fascinating journey into the world of the gentleman burglar. Young and old alike will be delighted to explore the rooms of this mansion while following a fun, child-friendly investigation. At reception, you’ll be given the materials you need to discover this scenographic itinerary. An intense and fun 8-step tour for the whole family, whether you’re a fan of the novel or just curious!
Practical advice
- Located downtown
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Difficulties: old house with stairs and narrow spaces, mainly indoor tour
- Access: parking available nearby at the Grand Val parking lot
- Price: adult ticket €8.50; children aged 6 to 16 €6; free for children under 6; concessions (students, jobseekers, seniors, advantage cards) €7.
- Opening hours: open only on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm and from 1:30pm to 5:30pm, closed from November 4th to December 21st – (see official website for updates ).
7. Experience an Arsène Lupin treasure hunt
Why visit with children?
How about an Arsène Lupin-inspired treasure hunt to explore Étretat in a different way? Your children will be delighted to solve riddles and search for clues in the alleys and on the heights. These guided walks will take you to the Falaise d’Amont or downtown Étretat, for example – it’s up to you!
Practical advice
- Duration: approx. 2 hours depending on option chosen
- Difficulties: good physical condition required, comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.
- Find out more about the guided tours offered by Panda Motion in Étretat (see here).
- Try an escape game or treasure hunt in the footsteps of Arsène Lupin, the famous gentleman burglar and illustrious character from Maurice Leblanc’s novel (see here).
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8. Take a stroll along the Chemin des Douaniers
Why visit with children?
The Sentier des Douaniers is a hiking trail along the cliffs of Étretat. We opted for an accessible section, where we enjoyed spectacular views of the coastal landscape and horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for gulls on the way! If you take the Falaise d’Aval path with your children and continue for around 5km (1h15min to 1h30min walk, depending on your pace), you’ll reach the Antifer lighthouse, passing close to its beach. You’ll see that the panorama is unique whatever the season. The curves of the white rock on the coast, the Norman cows, the green corridors that cover the rock… This bucolic stroll will also be an opportunity to look for seabirds and run along the paths!
Practical advice
- Access to the trail is free and the paths are well-marked, but you’ll need comfortable walking shoes.
- Check weather conditions and tide times here to ensure the safety of children and adults alike.
- Note that you will be exposed to the wind and that some parts of the trail may be slippery or quite steep, so be careful with children.
- Walking times can also be long for small children, so plan regular breaks.
9. Understanding the history of the cliffs at the Heritage Museum
Why visit with children?
Located at the top of the Falaise d’Amont near the chapel, the Musée du Patrimoine offers an immersion in the geological and cultural history of Étretat. You’ll discover the town’s past, from the 1st inhabitants to the Vikings, Marie-Antoinette’s oysters, Napoleon’s plan and modern history in the era of the 2nd World War. The models and explanations of the formation of the cliffs will captivate children too!
Practical advice
- Located at the top of the Falaise d’Amont to the north, near the Nungesser et Coli monument.
- Duration: approximately 1 hour
- Difficulties: panoramic staircase on the Chemin des Douaniers, limited space in the museum.
- Access: difficult to park in the area, prefer downtown parking (see above), then walk to the museum via the panoramic staircase and past the chapel.
- Price: full price €3; free for children under 14
- Opening hours: open from mid-June to mid-September from 10am to 12:30pm and from 3pm to 6pm and some other weeks out of season – (see official website for updates here)
10. Watching the sea from the Manoir de la Salamandre
Why visit with children?
To round off this tour of family must-sees, take a break at Manoir de la Salamandre. Its unusual architecture makes it a fascinating place to admire from the outside and explore on the inside. We loved imagining life in this medieval building and enjoying the special atmosphere it exuded. Converted into a hotel, this 14th-century manor house also welcomes you to its gourmet table, Restaurant Le Galion, in our selection of the best places to eat in Étretat.
Practical advice
- Located in the town center, less than 5 minutes’ walk from Étretat beach.
- To reserve a table at Restaurant Le Galion – see here
- To spend a night at the Manoir de la Salamandre – see prices and availability
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
Other zoos, theme parks, leisure activities
Other museums to see with children
- Écomusée de la Pomme et du Cidre in Bretteville du Grand Caux (25min drive) – see details on the official website here
- MuMa Le Havre Museum
- Musée des Pêcheries in Fécamp
Other castles to see with children
- Château des Aygues in Étretat (behind the Domaine Saint-Clair keep)
- Château de Fréfossé (10min drive)
- Château de Saint-Clair (10-minute drive)
Other zoos and theme parks near Étretat
- Parc des Roches in Étretat – see details here
- Jardin des Arts de Bénouville (10min drive) – see details here
- Parc du Château d’Orcher (35min drive) – see details here
- Jardins Suspendus in Le Havre (30min drive)
- Parc-jardin de la Sente des rivières (30min drive) – see details here
- Cap Fagnet in Fécamp (35min drive)
- Cerza Zoo in Hermival-Les-Vaux (1h20min drive) – see details here
Other beaches around Étretat
- Yport beach
- Fécamp beach
- Le Havre Beach
- Beach of Veulettes-sur-Mer
- Vaucottes Beach
Vacations in Étretat: other places
Here are a few other places you might like to visit, depending on your children’s interests:
- Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde chapel
- Étretat Old Market
- Water sports in Étretat (see details here)
- Tourist train and VéloRail in Étretat (see details here)
See our article on our favorite activities in Étretat.
Things to do when it rains
Given Étretat’s location on the seafront facing the English Channel between the cliffs, rain and wind can be a problem during your day’s visit. We’ve thought of everything! If you’re looking for something to do with your kids, there are plenty of options:
- Château des Aygues in Étretat
- Clos Lupin Museum
- Étretat Heritage Museum
- Tour on the Little Tourist Train (covered)
Practical advice
Getting around Étretat with children
- On the Côte d’Albâtre in northwestern France, in Normandy
- Rouen to Étretat = 1h15min drive
- From Le Havre to Étretat = 35min drive
- Paris to Étretat = 3h drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Where to stay in Étretat with children?
If you’re wondering, yes, it’s definitely worth spending at least one night in Étretat. It’s a fascinating place that inspired the Impressionist painters. The advantage of an early evening is that it’s less crowded. You’ll notice that the cliffs are transformed into shimmering colors at sunset and sunrise. The changing tides and skies transform your discovery of the area every time.
You are welcome to stay:
- downtown
- near the Falaises d’Amont and d’Aval
- on the waterfront
- the surrounding countryside
Discover our best places to stay in Étretat!
Where to eat in Étretat with children?
Eating well even on vacation is important, and for us it’s an integral part of the travel experience! In Étretat, the restaurant offer is somewhat limited. But we did find a number of good addresses, with exceptional views of the mythical cliffs and cuisine to match. Here are a few suggestions for family dining:
- Restaurant du Golf: breathtaking views and friendly surroundings for family meals
- Restaurant La Flotille: in a beautiful house in the center of Étretat, with exposed beams and a fireplace, a family venue to suit all budgets.
- Crêperie Lann-Bihoue: traditional Normandy-style galettes with PDO cheeses
See our selection of the best restaurants in Étretat!
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…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
