Have you decided to visit Étretat in one day? Great idea: this small town in Normandy, known for its spectacular white cliffs, is perfect for a day trip.
We grew up nearby, in Le Havre, and Étretat remains our favorite destination in Normandy: every visit still surprises us, with its shifting tides and that unique light that inspired the Impressionist painters.
With our itinerary, we’ll guide you through Étretat. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical Tips for Visiting Étretat in One Day
What can you see in Étretat in one day? Is that long enough?
Étretat has plentyof attractions! You can explore the two cliffs, the town center, and the beach in a single day. It’s not enough to explore every nook and cranny at low tide, but you’ll leave with a great overview of the village and its iconic views.
Getting around Étretat
The village is small and can be explored almost entirely on foot from the waterfront. However, to reach the two cliffs, you’ll need to climb—either on foot up some fairly steep stairs or by taking the small tourist train in the summer, which also takes you to the Falaise d’Amont and the entrance to the Gardens from downtown. We recommend that you park your car once and for all and do everything on foot. Keep in mind that this is a very hilly city! Since Étretat is very crowded, it’s best to arrive early to find a parking spot: some parking lots are located at the entrance to town, about a 10-minute walk from the waterfront.
Where to stay in Étretat
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
Our Ideal Itinerary: 1 Day in Étretat
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Climb at the Falaise d’Aval and explore the Aiguille Creuse
Start your day at the Falaise d’Aval, south of the village. This is where most of Étretat’s famous arches and rock formations are located, carved out of the chalk of the Alabaster Coast. From the boardwalk, a staircase leads up to the cliff trail: the climb is steep but short, and two observation decks offer a chance to catch your breath while enjoying the view of the city, the beach, and the Falaise d’Amont across the way.
Once you reach the top, head toward the Aiguille Creuse, the pointed rock formation that Maurice Leblanc made famous by having his character Arsène Lupin hide a treasure there. We never tire of this view: the cliffs here are 80 meters high, and the Aiguille itself rises to 55 meters. Continue a little further toward Manneporte, the site’s other giant arch, to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the entire area. If you want to walk to the Manneporte and take your time, you should plan on about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Stroll through downtown
Take your time walking back down toward the center, which you can explore in about an hour. Stop by the Marché Couvert, a wooden structure dating from 1926 that now houses souvenir shops. Not far from there, between the Casino and the market square, look up at the Manoir de la Salamandre: this intriguing building, made of wood and colorful shingles, was built in the style of a medieval house in Lisieux that no longer exists.
We also enjoy strolling through the narrow streets in the area, which feature a few half-timbered houses typical of Normandy and many two-tone brick facades from the 20th century. Fans of Arsène Lupin can stop by the Clos Lupin, the former home of author Maurice Leblanc, which has been transformed into an immersive exhibition dedicated to his work, or spend part of their time exploring the town visiting it instead.
12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch overlooking the ocean
The waterfront and downtown are full of great places to visit. Among our favorites are Restaurant Bel-Ami for a bistronomic meal, or Restaurant du Golf if you’re looking primarily for the view. For a more gourmet experience, the Restaurant du Domaine Saint-Clair remains a safe bet. Check out all our tried-and-true spots in our article on where to eat in Étretat.
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).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
2:00–4:30 p.m.: Hike up to the Falaise d’Amont, the Chapel, and the Gardens of Étretat
In the afternoon, we headed north toward the Falaise d’Amont. There are three ways to get to the top: the little tourist train in the summer, the waterfront trail (which has stairs), or the route along Jules Gerbeau Street and then Damilaville Avenue, which has no stairs but is steep. Once you reach the top, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Chapel awaits you: rebuilt in 1950 in a style quite different from that of the original building, which was destroyed in 1942, it is dedicated to sailors, and its fish-shaped gargoyles are well worth seeing.
Right next to it, the Monument to Nungesser and Coli pays tribute to these two aviators who died in 1927 while attempting the first nonstop flight between Paris and New York. The view from this lookout point—with the pebble beach, the town, and the Falaise d’Aval in the background—is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful in all of Étretat. Next, continue on to the Étretat Gardens, which blend art and nature, notably featuring Samuel Salcedo’s “Raindrops” sculptures. Reserve your entrance to the gardens
4:30–6:30 p.m.: Head down to the beach and enjoy the waterfront
End the day by walking back down to the beach. The promenade that runs along the waterfront, between the two cliffs, offers beautiful views in every direction, while the pebble beach itself reveals a different look depending on the tides. We strongly recommend that you check the tide schedules when planning this last part of the day.
Take a seat facing the sea to enjoy the sunset—one of our favorite moments in Étretat: the cliffs are then bathed in shifting colors that have fascinated generations of painters, led by Claude Monet. A wonderful way to end your day on the Alabaster Coast.
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Alternative 1: with more museums
If you’d prefer to replace part of the walk with sightseeing, you have two options. Le Clos Arsène Lupin, located on Rue Guy de Maupassant, offers a seven-stop tour of Maurice Leblanc’s former home, where visitors can learn about the author and his famous character through a combination of lights and sounds. The Heritage Museum, located at the top of the Falaise d’Amont near the chapel, traces the history of Étretat from its earliest inhabitants to the Vikings, covering topics such as the oysters favored by Marie-Antoinette and World War II. It is open from mid-June to mid-September, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Alternative 2: with excursions
If you have a little more time than expected or are staying in the area for several days, there are several destinations less than an hour away from Étretat. Le Havre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architecture designed by Auguste Perret, is just a 30-minute drive away: check out our article on Le Havre. At the same distance, Yport charms visitors with its two-tone houses, while Fécamp offers, among other things, Bénédictine and its rich maritime history: see our article on Fécamp.
A little further away, about 45 minutes away, the town of Honfleur and its historic district have also inspired many painters: see our article on Honfleur. Allow about 1 hour to reach Veules-les-Roses, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Normandy, or the Parc de Clères if you’d like to see some animals.
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Alternative 3: with activities for children
If you’re traveling with your family, a few adjustments can help keep everyone happy. Le Clos Arsène Lupin remains a sure bet with children, as do the Jardins d’Étretat on the Falaise d’Amont, whose layout resembles a maze. Right next to it, they can also admire the aircraft on the ground, built in the shape of a mortar and representing the Oiseau Blanc, near the Heritage Museum. Read our article on Étretat with kids.
Also located on the Falaise d’Amont, the Parc des Roches features a public garden, a playground, and a mini-golf course, open every afternoon during the summer and school vacations. Located 5 km from Étretat, a forest adventure course—featuring a 220-meter zip line—welcomes children ages 3 and up. On the cliffs themselves, stay alert: the chalk isn’t very sturdy, so it’s best to keep your distance from the edge.
Option 4: Beach, Water Sports, and Hiking
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can swap part of their time in the city center for outdoor activities. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding let you admire the cliffs from the water, from a perspective that few visitors get to experience. Golfers will enjoy the Étretat Golf Course, perched atop the cliffs with splendid views of the sea.
For hikers, the two cliffs extend well beyond the main viewpoints, offering other vistas to discover at low tide: be sure to wear sturdy shoes and exercise extra caution due to the risk of falling rocks. In the summer, the rail bike route connects Étretat to Les Loges on a 12-kilometer round trip—a pleasant ride through the valley for those who want to take their time.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
What You Need to Know for Your Day in Étretat
The weather in Étretat
Étretat is located in northern France, so the water there is never really warm, no matter what the season. The sky often changes its mood throughout the day, which, in our opinion, is part of what makes this place so charming: the clouds transform the cliffs and their colors from one moment to the next. The city is also worth a visit in winter!
The crowds at Étretat
Étretat is a very popular destination, especially on weekends and during the summer. We recommend arriving early in the morning: there are fewer people, and the cliffs are often bathed in beautiful colors at sunrise. Parking spaces are hard to come by during peak season, which is yet another reason not to wait too long. If you’re planning a day trip there, it’s sometimes more convenient to choose a guided tour depending on your departure city: from Le Havre, from Paris, from Caen, or from Rouen.
Find your departure city here
Adjusting Your Itinerary When It Rains
If it rains, consider visiting the Clos Arsène Lupin or the Heritage Museum, both of which are indoors. You can also enjoy the casino, with its slot machines, gaming tables, and restaurant overlooking the sea. The cliffs remain accessible in wet weather, but caution is advised on the trails, which become slippery.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
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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…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
