For a while now, I have been noticing an uptick in photos by Instagrammers visiting the Falaises d’Étretat. I see the same shot over and over: 👒🧺 Someone seated with a picture-perfect picnic on a cliff overlooking an archway that plunges into the English Channel. It looks absolutely beautiful and worth a visit (if not a picnic too!), so I had been eager to go for the last few months. After convincing a friend to make the trip with me, we headed to the coast only to discover that there is much more to Étretat than that one over-Instagrammed scene.
Since my friend was coming from north of France and had a car, Amiens ended up being an easy point between us. I caught a train direct to Amiens and he was able to stay on main roads from the north before we headed west to the Normandy coast together. We arrived toward the end of the day (the drive from Amiens is about two hours), got settled in our accommodation, then headed out for a sunset walk. We could see one of those famous arches directly out our hotel window, but unfortunately there is a large parking lot between many of the town buildings and the Sea. Other than that, I immediately found the whole area to be just beautiful.
Sunset on our first night
As you can see from the photos, the city sits between two cliffs. You must go up both sides to appreciate the beauty of the area from every angle possible. The walks are easy, and we found others on the paths to be respectful of the space. Just know in advance that the paths are not paved but are easy enough to walk along. (The side leading up to the church – the east side – is steeper and more rugged than the other side. Once at the top, walking is very doable and you’re not required to stay on the path.) On both sides, there are plenty of opportunities for stops to photograph, chat, picnic, or meditate along the way.
The town of Etretat from atop the cliffs
The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Garde at the top of the east-side cliff is often closed, but the views from it are spectacular and not to be missed.
While there, do your best to run into a herd of Saint Bernards while taking a drink with a view.
Eating in Étretat is, in my opinion, just like eating anywhere else in France in terms of experience. If it’s a big tourist attraction you will find a lot of spots with poor service and low-quality foods, so I suggest doing your homework first and even reserving if you can. My favorite meal we had was at the Taverne des Deux Augustins (update 2020: online reviews indicate this place has had a major downturn in quality and service), it being a rare spot where there was a creative meat-free dish on the menu. For once no arguing with tourist-tired wait staff about removing items from a dish just so I can have a meal. See below for more recommendations.
🚄 How to get to Étretat:
The easiest way to get to Étretat from Paris is by car (via the A13), but that is not the only way. You can also catch a train from Paris – Saint Lazare to Le Havre, the catch an autocar (a bus, 2€) for Etretat or Fécamp on line 24.
In the summer there are even more options to get there by train and bus. Read more about access to Etretat here.
🛌 Where to stay
I would not recommend the hotel where I stayed but the above are some ideas that I have heard wonderful things about.
Where to eat
Le Bel Ami – They have a wine bar, too!
🎟 Tickets Les Jardins d’Étretat:
Avenue Damilaville, Étretat
Open daily 10am-7pm
Purchase tickets here.
Normal fare: 9.00 €
Children and students: 7.20 €
Children under 2: Free of charge
Jardins d’Etretat
🚲 Biking the region
There is so much to see throughout Normandy. Because the coastline is largely cliffs, not many if any take cyclists near the water, but there are still plenty of beautiful routes to test. Be sure to get a proper map of the area and select your destination and place to return to at the beginning of the day. Having this planned out in advance will give you some freedom of mind to enjoy your day (and ride) to the fullest.
Here are some suggested routes in the area:
You can also check the France Vélo Tourisme site to help guide you make plans that suit your needs.
🚲 Rent a bike
Coffee Bike Normandie (Fécamp)
🪁 Go Paragliding
I haven’t done this in Normandy, but I have paraglided and parasailed and I love that thrill of flying through the air. I dream of doing it over this beautiful coastline.
📍 Nearby places to visit:
Yport, Fécamp, Le Havre
For further information contact the Seine-Maritime Tourism Office.
The famous Dormy House with a wonderful view and restaurant. Click image to book.
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