Planning a 2-day visit to Étretat? What a great idea! It’s the perfect time to discover this jewel of the Côte d’Albâtre. We were won over by this village with its spectacular white cliffs, iconic natural arches, poetic gardens and unique heritage.
Our itineraries will 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 a weekend visit to Étretat
What can you see in Étretat in 2 days? Is it long enough?
Absolutely! 2 days to take full advantage of Étretat and its impressive natural surroundings. In fact, we’ve included this destination in our selection of Normandy’s most beautiful villages, not for its architecture but for its iconic white cliffs. During your weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the top of the emblematic Falaise d’Aval and discover the Aiguille Creuse, as well as visit the Jardins d’Étretat and contemplate sunsets over the sea. Étretat is also one of Normandy’s most beautiful landscapes.
Getting around Étretat
The village is small and easy to explore on foot. The cliffs can also be explored by foot, but they require more physical effort. The paths linking the cliff tops from the center are steep. Wear good shoes for added comfort. However, a car is still useful for exploring the area outside the village. 2 bus networks also serve this destination: Nomad and LIA.
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
Le Havre Étretat Tourist Pass
Although this pass includes attractions in Le Havre and Étretat, it can be very cost-effective if you decide to try out the activities listed below. In Étretat, it includes: public transport (Réseau LIA), Les Jardins d’Étretat, Le Clos Lupin (Maison Maurice Leblanc), Vélo-Rails and Train Touristique Étretat Pays de Caux. Priced at €35 per adult and €20 per child under 12, it is valid for 48 consecutive hours from activation. We think it could be interesting if you decide to visit Le Havre over the weekend, although you could easily decide to stay exclusively in Étretat for 2 days. More info here.
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Étretat
We’ve given a rough timetable, but plan your itinerary according to tide times. In our opinion, it’s more interesting to explore the cliff tops at high tide to contemplate the white chalk colliding with the deep blue of the sea, and to wait for low tide to visit the lower cliffs.
Day 1: Fresh air
10am-12.30pm: Walk the Falaise d’Aval panoramic trail and discover the Aiguille Creuse
From Plage d’Étretat, head south to join the panoramic Falaise d’Aval trail. You’ll discover the breathtaking scenery for which Étretat is famous. The cliffs are part of the Côte d’Albâtre, our favorite destination in Normandy, and are made of chalk. From the summit you can observe spectacular arches and rock formations.
One of the most famous formations is called “l’Aiguille Creuse”, where the fictional character Arsène Lupin (invented by author Maurice Leblanc) hides a treasure. You can take a long walk along the coast to the Antifer lighthouse, or enjoy the panorama from the Falaise d’Aval. Take your best shots of the Normandy coastline!
12:30-14:30: Lunch in a restaurant overlooking the cliffs
After this invigorating morning stroll, the appetite arrives? Perfect! Here are 2 bistronomic addresses that particularly thrilled us. The Restaurant du Golf d’Étretat offers a breathtaking view of the cliffs. The cuisine is of the highest quality: simple but tasty, with a menu renewed every month. We also enjoyed the hotel’s restaurant , Le Dormy House. When the weather’s fine, the pleasant terrace offers a fine view of the town and the cliffs. The menu is demanding, with the best of French gastronomy and a fine selection of wines. For more inspiration, see our article on the best restaurants in Étretat.
2:30 pm – 3 pm: Digestive stroll to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
After a hearty meal, you’ll have all the strength you need for the ascent of the Falaise d’Amont. From the Plage d’Étretat, head north along the Chemin des Douaniers. The climb is quite steep, but well worth the effort. During the climb, take regular breaks to admire the scenery. You’ll come to a viewpoint housing the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. This chapel is often the one people have in mind when they say “l’église d’Étretat”, as it dominates the village and the cliffs. We think it’s one of the prettiest chapels in Normandy.
15h-15h30: Admire the “Oiseau Blanc” monument in memory of Nungesser and Coli
Another attraction next to the chapel is the Monument dedicated to Nungesser and Coli. They were war heroes of French aviation and attempted the first non-stop flight between Paris and New York. But their plane “L’Oiseau Blanc” disappeared in 1927. And its history remains a mystery. This 24m spire was erected in 1963 and is perfectly aligned with the church tower. We were touched by this poignant tribute to these aviation pioneers. The monument is completed by the shape of the aircraft on the ground.
3:30-5pm: Exploring the poetic Jardins d’Étretat
This cliff-top attraction combines art and nature. Here you’ll find a historic collection of plants from Madame Thébault (French comic actress) and her villa “La Roxelane”, magnificent trees and thought-provoking works of art. In 2015, landscape architect Alexandre Grivko decided to breathe new life into the site: large compositions of pruned plants that echo the natural heritage and history of Normandy. An open-air creative space. We particularly admired the most famous and photographed works: the “Raindrops”. These are 7 sculptures by artist Samuel Salcedo that focus on the range of human emotions.
5pm-6.30pm: Take in the panorama from the Falaise d’Amont before heading back down to the village.
Between exploring the Falaise d’Aval in the morning and the Jardins d’Étretat in the afternoon, you’ve already had your fill? Well, it’s not over yet! Head for the Falaise d’Amont! A day of fresh air and discovering the riches of nature, but still requiring a bit of physical effort. Depending on your wishes and abilities, you have 2 options. You can enjoy the panorama by descending to the first observation platform, then turn around to return to the village.
Alternatively, you can continue your adventure by descending to sea level. It’s only possible at low tide, and you have to go through a tunnel nicknamed “Le Chaudron”, climb down a ladder and cross a pebble wall, so the effort is more physical. We opted for this second option and the experience was truly memorable!
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.
6:30-8pm: Relaxing in the hotel after a day outdoors
Give yourself a well-deserved break after this intense first day! Return to your hotel for a moment of calm and comfort. We fell in love with theHôtel Le Donjon – Domaine Saint Clair. Combining charm and originality, it’s one of the most inspiring hotels we’ve stayed at. An elegantly decorated haven of peace, this boutique hotel offers a cocoon of relaxation with a heated outdoor pool, spa and sauna. For more hotel options, see our selection of quality establishments in Étretat here.
8-10.30pm: Trying out a gourmet restaurant
You don’t want to leave your hotel after a day full of beautiful discoveries, but exhausting all the same? No problem, take advantage of your stay at Domaine Saint-Clair to try the Restaurant Le Donjon. Decorated by designer Jean Charles De Castelbajac, one of the great names in French fashion, the establishment has a unique cachet. The menu has just as much character, with the radical choice to focus exclusively on seafood. We were seduced by this bold and tasty proposal. Chef Gabin Bouguet, a native of the Pays de Caux region, buys his supplies every day at the auction in the nearby port of Fécamp. For more inspiration, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Étretat.
Day 2: Between heritage and sea air
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10-11am: Exploring the village center
A number of interesting buildings can be discovered along the village streets, including the Covered Market. It is a wooden structure dating from 1926. Today, there are souvenir stores. Now’s the time to do a little shopping to take home a souvenir of your weekend! The Manoir de la Salamandre is the center’s most impressive building, with its astonishing shape. It’s a copy of the Maison Plantefor in Lisieux, a medieval house. Today, the building houses a restaurant. We enjoyed strolling through the narrow streets, discovering typical Normandy half-timbered houses, as well as many two-tone 20th-century brick houses.
11h-11h30: Visit the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and its adjoining cemetery
As you wander around, you’ll come across Étretat’s main church (not to be confused with the famous cliff-top chapel). It’s not one of the most touristy spots in the village, so the atmosphere is quieter and more restful. However, it’s worth the detour for its architecture, a cross between Romanesque and Gothic styles. We also visited the cemetery, which houses the graves of Commonwealth soldiers and airmen who died in both world wars.
11:30am-12:30pm: Visit a local museum
Are you a heritage lover or a literary soul? Here are 2 tours to suit your interests. At the Musée du patrimoine d’Étretat, immerse yourself in local history from the first inhabitants to the Second World War. Alternatively, you can visit Le Clos Arsène Lupin, which will appeal even more to fans of the famous gentleman burglar. Enjoy a 7-step program to discover Maurice Leblanc, the author, and his cult character. Lights, sounds… room after room, you discover their world of mystery.
12:30-14:30: Lunch at a local restaurant
After these educational visits, the hunger starts to make itself felt? Perfect: time for lunch! In the center of Étretat, we recommend the Restaurant Le Bel Ami for its friendly, urban and youthful atmosphere, with its daring mix of colors and styles. Chef Loic Lourmière offers a succinct menu to guarantee short circuits and seasonal produce. And if you were wondering, yes, the restaurant owes its name to French author Guy de Maupassant. We also enjoyed the Restaurant Le Clos Lupin. The menu is on the slate. Quite classic, it does have a few surprises in store, such as the piglet raviole with cider jus, or the spiced pineapple pan with citrus caramel. Once again, the restaurant owes its name to a French author, this time Maurice Leblanc. For more inspiration, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Étretat.
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Take a long walk on the Plage d’Étretat
The whole village revolves around the famous Plage d’Étretat, covered in pale pebbles. The seafront is bounded by high white chalk cliffs. You’ll find a wide promenade, accessible to all, to take you easily from one end to the other, offering beautiful views in all directions. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy. If you want to go further and explore the beach in depth, make sure you wear comfortable shoes to avoid slipping on the pebbles. Always start your walk at least 1 hour before low tide to have time to return. You’ll discover unique arches and rock formations on either side of the beach from a completely different perspective than from the top of the cliffs.
Walk to the northern end of the beach, which reveals a view of a rock formation nicknamed “The Elephant”. Author Guy de Maupassant described it as “a giant elephant” with its trunk plunging into the water. Observe the different layers of rock, from ochre to white, and the distinctive shape of the cliffs carved by the rhythm of the waves. You can head off in several directions and discover an ancient oyster park, the “trou de l’homme” a cave where a man survived after a shipwreck in 1792, or the Falaise la Manneporte among other natural curiosities. In our opinion, this is the best way to round off your weekend in Étretat, with breathtaking scenery freshly etched under your eyelids!
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Alternative 1: A family visit to Étretat
Are you planning a weekend in Étretat with your children and looking for activities suitable for all ages? Most of the activities listed in our ideal 2-day itinerary will appeal to families, but below are a few additional options, perhaps more fun for little ones. Alternatively, check out our article on the best things to do with your kids in Étretat for more inspiration!
Le Vélo-Rails et Train Touristique Étretat Pays de Caux
Treat yourself to an original and convivial experience in the heart of the Pays de Caux! The bike-rail route takes you down 5.2km of gentle descent between Les Loges and Étretat, for 20-30min of pure pleasure. Set on an old railroad line, you’ll pass through charming rural landscapes typical of the region, before reaching the spectacular Valleuse d’Étretat. The return journey is a leisurely one aboard the tourist train (approx. 25min), ideal for enjoying the scenery effortlessly. More info on the official website here.
Étretat’s little train
During the tourist season, Étretat’s little road train is a pleasant, effortless way to discover the resort’s main sites. It makes a convenient loop between the parking lots, the beach, the chapel and the gardens perched atop the northern cliffs, offering superb views along the way. It’s the ideal way to get around easily, while enjoying the emblematic landscapes of Étretat, especially with the family or if you want to avoid steep inclines.
Parc des Roches
This leisure park appeals to young and old with its varied facilities and lush green setting. The site features a pleasant public garden, a children’s playground, a swimming pool with inflatable structures and a mini-golf course, ideal for family fun. A perfect break to enjoy and relax between 2 discoveries of the Normandy coast. More info here.
Étretat Aventure leisure park
Located just a 10-minute drive from the village, Étretat Aventure is an ideal leisure park for a family outing. It offers 5 accrobranche courses accessible from age 3, pony rides, bouncy castles and quad bike circuits specially designed for children. The richness and diversity of our activities means there’s something for everyone, whatever their age.
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Alternative 2: For sports and outdoor enthusiasts
If you like to get moving, breathe in the sea air and enjoy nature, this selection of activities is for you. Between sensations, effort and magnificent landscapes, there’s something for everyone who wants to combine sport and discovery.
Hiking from Étretat
In our ideal itinerary, we concentrated on the cliff paths close to the village. However, you can continue walking on both sides to discover other viewpoints along the GR21 linking Le Havre to Le Tréport. Enjoy ever-changing views of sheer chalk cliffs and deep blue sea. To the south, push on to the Phare d’Antifer for views of Plage du Fourquet, Plage d’Antifer, L’Œil du Panda, Les Pisseuses de Valaine, and Falaise La Manneporte. To the north, push on to Bénouville to see L’Aiguille de Belval on your way.
Golf d’Étretat
Étretat is home to a magnificent cliff-top golf course with splendid views! The 18-hole course represents a double challenge: how to resist the wind and the breathtaking view of the sea! More info here.
Nautical activities
Do you have a sea legs and want to discover the cliffs directly from the sea? Try your hand at kayaking or paddling along the coast! You’ll love this unique view of the rock formations. The Club de Voiles d’Étretat offers equipment rental to make the most of this unforgettable and invigorating experience – more info here.
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 stay in Étretat
The weather in Étretat
Normandy weather is capricious and unpredictable. It can be sunny in the morning, rainy at midday and cloudy at the end of the day. We therefore advise you to bring clothing adapted to changing weather conditions. However, as Étretat is located on the coast, the sky often clears faster than inland.
The crowds at Étretat
Étretat is a very popular destination in summer, when tourist numbers are very high, which can have a negative impact on the discovery of the destination. There can be traffic jams at the entrance to the village and parking can become very complicated. We strongly advise you to visit Étretat during the low season in spring or autumn. Avoid long holiday weekends and summer.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
Although Étretat’s main activities are outdoors, if it rains during your stay, you can still visit the Étretat Heritage Museum, Clos Arsène Lupin, the Covered Market, Notre-Dame d’Étretat Church, Château des Aygues (depending on opening times), or play at the JOA d’Étretat Casino.
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…
