Close to Dieppe, Varengeville-sur-Mer and La Gorge-des-Moutiers are a must-see on the Côte d’Albâtre. It’s a beautiful excursion with a church, a marine cemetery, views of the cliffs and a valley leading to the sea at the foot of the giant cliffs.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit.
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 Varengeville-sur-mer worth a visit?
Varengeville and Gorge-des-Moutiers are well worth a visit.
Along the Côte d’Albâtre, water has created “valleys” or gorges carved out of the cliffs down to the sea. The Moutiers gorge is one of the most beautiful.
And, what’s more, the walk starts at a sailors’ chapel overlooking the sea, down a steep path to the bottom of the cliffs.
It’s one of the most beautiful spots on the Côte d’Albâtre.
What you can see
Saint-Valery Church
At the start of the access walk to Gorge-des-Moutiers, you’ll discover the church of Saint-Valery. It should intrigue you from the outside, not only because of its location facing the sea, but above all because of its architecture, which is not that of a Latin cross.
The building has two naves, one next to the other. The oldest in the north is made of flint and dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The other is more recent and made of sandstone.
Inside the church
Inside the church, note the modern stained glass windows in shimmering blue.
The church is dedicated to sailors, so you’ll find many models of boats.
Note the carved columns in the center and the ribbed crossbeams.
Varangeville Marine Cemetery
Around the church is the Varengeville marine cemetery.
It offers a unique ambience with its magnificent view of the sea and cliffs.
Despite its name, there are few graves of fishermen and sailors here, but rather of artists such as..:
- Georges Braque, famous Norman painter of the late 19th and 20th centuries
- Albert Rousesel (1869 – 1937), music composer
Unfortunately, the cliff is eroding considerably at this point (at least 40cm per year). New graves can no longer be dug.
View of the Côte d’Albâtre
Take time to admire the view.
The cliffs here are 80m high.
We enjoyed the combination of Norman fields, sea and chalk cliffs.
It’s an inspiring and peaceful place.
Claude Monet once set up his easel here, often painting his seascapes. Among other things, he painted the view with a fisherman’s hut. But it no longer exists, so don’t look for it.
Gorge-des-Moutiers hike
Once you’ve admired the church and the view, it’s easy to see the Gorge-des-Moutiers access road. It’s very bucolic and you can’t get lost, the path is very clear.
Once you’re out of the woods, you’ll discover a beautiful view of the sea, and you’ll be able to make out the valley cut into the cliffs… Suspense!
Allow 45 min round trip to reach the beach from the church.
View of Gorge-des-Moutiers
And finally, you’ll discover the valley from the top of the cliff.
As the rock is quite soft, the stream has cut deep into the cliff, creating this valley, a bit like a “Normandy cove”.
Stairs lead down into the gorge.
At the foot of the cliffs…
Geology enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the site.
The geological section is quite clear.
At the base of the cliff you’ll see a white area with black dots. These black dots are scattered flints.
And above the sheet-fints.
Moutiers Beach
The beach at the foot of these 80m-high cliffs is made of pebbles. So wear good shoes!
Avoid high tide if you want to have access to the beach.
The lower it is, the more you can stand back and admire the wall of cliffs with this small notch.
Plage du petit Ailly
In the same village of Varengeville, but with access further north, you’ll also find the Petit Ailly beach.
We’ll have to go back and take some photos for you.
At low tide, you’ll see large rocks covered in seaweed, reminiscent of animals.
Le Bois des Moutiers
Overlooking the sea, the Bois des Moutiers is a horticultural gem. Created at the end of the 19th century by Guillaume Mallet, this 12-hectare estate is a blend of wilderness and English gardens.
Admire giant rhododendrons, rare flowers and shrubs, sculptures and sea views.
You can also appreciate Guillaume Mallet’s house, built in the Arts & Crafts style: blonde stone, tiled roofs and mullioned windows.
The site has long been closed for renovation. We hope it will reopen soon. Opening times vary according to season (see website).
Ango Manor
Just a 5-minute drive from the start of Gorge-des-Moutiers, you’ll also find Manoir d’Ango, one of our favorite spots in the region.
Built in the 16th and 17th centuries Ango manor house features Italian Renaissance architecture. However, one tower from the previous medieval fort remains.
Today, you can admire beautiful architectural details in wood and rock. Don’t miss out:
- The 2 towers at the entrance. One of them dates back to medieval times
- The loggia with typical Italian decorative elements
- The magnificent dovecote with its fascinating wall structure and roof shape
- The kitchen
- The gardens
Opening times vary according to season (see website).
Gorge des Moutiers at Varengeville-sur-mer: how to get there
Where is Varengeville-sur-mer?
- On the Côte d’Albâtre
- South of Dieppe
- From Dieppe: 20 min drive
- From Rouen: 1h drive
- From Le Havre: 1h30 drive
Access by car and parking
To reach the church, take a short country road, and you’ll find plenty of space to park around the cemetery.
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.
Public transport access
Nomad buses stop in the village of Varengeville between Saint-Valery-en-Caux and Dieppe.
But it doesn’t go to the church level.
Visiting difficulties
The church and cemetery are easy to visit.
But be careful not to get too close to the edge of the cliffs. They are crumbly.
It takes 45 minutes round trip to descend into the gorge.
At first, access is on a gentle slope with a natural earth and stone floor. The end of the descent at beach level has stairs.
DISCOVER Dieppe
- Things to do in Dieppe
- Best hotels in Dieppe (coming soon)
- Best restaurants in Dieppe (coming soon)
- Dieppe Castle
- Gorge des Moutiers and Varengeville
Visiting the Moutiers valley: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Free access at all times to the Moutiers gorge.
For Ango Manor, see the official website. Timetables vary according to the season.
For Moutiers wood, see the official website.
How long
Allow 1h to 1h30 for the church, cemetery, valley and beach.
Allow 1 hour for the Manoir d’Ango.
Allow 1 hour for the Bois des Moutiers
Best moment
The gorge and beach are best visited at low tide.
Visiting with children
The path is not technically difficult. Kids can do it.
However, be careful not to let them run to the edge of the cliffs.
Eating out
The village has a bakery and restaurant.
Hotels
In Dieppe, you can stay at:
- Villa Castel B&B – Amazing decoration in a typical house, with an excellent location – See photos and availability
- Lodging “Les Petites Suites Dieppoises – Atelier Couture” – if you are looking for a unique lodging – See photos and availability
- L’Albâtre – traditional rental with a sea view! – See photos and availability
- Grand Hôtel du Casino – with sea view and panoramic restaurant – See photos and availability
- or see the best rated accommodations in Dieppe
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
