Looking for a spectacular pebble beach at the foot of the Normandy cliffs? Étretat beach offers an exceptional natural setting, with its famous limestone arches rising majestically above the English Channel. We were won over by this emblematic site, which combines geological beauty and seaside charm in a setting that is unique in the world.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Plage d’Étretat.
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 Plage d’Étretat worth it?
Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and well worth a visit. The beach’s exceptional geological setting won us over, with the famous white cliffs and natural arches of Étretat creating a unique panorama of the Normandy coast. We particularly appreciated being able to combine beach relaxation with the discovery of landscapes sculpted by marine erosion. The contrast between the grey pebbles, white cliffs and changing waters of the English Channel creates a striking natural tableau that varies according to the light and tides.
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy and also one of Étretat’s main attractions.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The floor of Plage d’Étretat is made up of pebbles of various sizes. You won’t find fine sand here, but rather a surface of pebbles rounded by wave action, typical of Normandy beaches. We recommend you bring water shoes to walk comfortably on the pebbles and ease entry into the water.
Swimming conditions and supervision
Swimming conditions vary according to tides and weather conditions. We found that currents can be variable, and that caution is advised, especially during high tides. The water temperature remains cool even in summer, typical of the waters of the English Channel.
The beach is supervised in summer.
Installations
We found public showers and toilets close to the beach. Sunshade and deckchair rental services are available during the tourist season. The beach also has basic facilities such as litter garbage cans and ashtrays to keep the site clean.
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Étretat beach in Normandy: how to get there
Where to find Plage d’Étretat
- In the commune of Étretat, Seine-Maritime
- About 2h30 drive from Paris
- 30min from Le Havre
- 45min from Rouen
Access by car and parking
To reach the Plage d’Étretat by car, you’ll need to head for Étretat town center. Several pay parking lots are available close to the beach, including the main parking lot near the cliffs. We recommend arriving early in high season, as places can be limited, especially on sunny weekends.
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.
Access from the parking lot
Once you’ve parked your car, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. We appreciated the proximity of the parking areas to the beach, which meant we could reach the pebbles quickly. The access road runs through the picturesque center of Étretat.
Public transport access
Étretat is accessible by public transport from Le Havre by departmental buses. We recommend that you check the timetable in advance, as frequencies may be reduced depending on the season. The nearest station is in Le Havre, from where you can take the bus.
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- Dieppe Castle
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Special features
Dog
Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be kept on a leash. We recommend checking local regulations, which may vary from season to season.
Reduced mobility access
Access to the beach presents certain difficulties for people with reduced mobility due to the cobbled terrain. We did not observe any specific facilities adapted to facilitate access to the seaside. We recommend that you contact your local tourist office to find out what facilities are available.
With children
The beach can present some challenges with children due to the pebbles and variable swimming conditions. We recommend that you keep a close eye on young children near the water, and wear suitable footwear. However, we have found that children really enjoy exploring the cliffs and searching for colorful pebbles along the shore.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Other restrictions: camping, fire
Camping and fires are prohibited on the beach and near the cliffs. We recommend that you observe these essential safety rules in this fragile natural environment. The regulations also aim to preserve the coastal ecosystem and the tranquility of the site.
Eating out
You’re right in the heart of Étretat, a seaside resort with many restaurants and cafés. We discovered several establishments serving Norman specialities and fresh seafood, notably along the promenade that runs along the beach. Its proximity to the city center makes it easy to enjoy thelocal gastronomic offerings after a day on the beach.
Hotels
There are many hotels in Étretat, some of them right on the beach, with privileged views of the cliffs and direct access to the iconic sites of the Normandy coast.
During our stay, we opted for a bit of height and stayed at theHôtel Donjon Domaine Saint Clair, to enjoy the view of the sea through the pine trees. Check photos and availability – and book!
WHERE TO STAY IN Le Havre
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront:
Hilton Hotel with its modern decor and balconies – see prices, photos and availability.
Downtown, in the heart of Perret architecture:
Hôtel Pasino, for ultra-spacious rooms – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Vent d’Ouest, a charming place to stay – See prices, photos and availability
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
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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…
