I can see why Claude Monet, the “father of impressionism,” captured the massive Étretat cliffs in more than 90 of his paintings.
I was at work, and on my desktop I saw for the first time a photo of a beautiful white cliff arched, surranded by sea. I was wondering, Where is this place? So magical. I went ahead and clicked the icon that showed it’s called Étretat in north France. With an instant gut feeling, I knew I would go there one day.
People love Étretat for its beautiful natural rock formations, especially the chalk cliffs and arches that stick out into the water in a dramatic way. It’s a great spot to go once in France or for a day trip from Paris.
The famous Falaise d’Aval cliff, with its arch that looks like an elephant’s trunk, and the tall Aiguille (needle) cliff were two of Monet’s main subjects in his art.
Is Étretat worth visiting?
Just look at those pictures of these magic white cliffs with grass on top and sea under and imagine seeing it in real life. I think you should really visit them once you are in France or in Paris, and if you love nature.
Let’s start with what this place is and why you should visit. For starters, Étretat is located in northern France on the coast of Normandy. Just 2 and a half hours driving east from the magnifique Mont Saint-Michel, that is another must-see spot in north France.
The cliffs and the Aiguille Creuse have made the town of Étretat world-famous. Natural wonders, these giants, which rise to nearly 90 meters, are ancient witnesses of how the Normandy coast evolved.
If you are still wondering if Étretat is worth visiting, trust me, it is 100%. You will fall in love with the giant white cliffs and the pleasant sea sound.
When is the best time to visit Étretat?
We visited Étretat at the end of May 2023, and the weather was just perfect. It was a sunny day with a clear blue sky. It was during the week, so the place was not crowded, just a bit windy.
I recommend visiting Étretat during the weekday; avoid weekends or holidays as the place might be busy with tourists.
The best months to go to Étretat are the spring months of April, May, or June, and early autumn like September.
Remember to take some sweater or jacket with you as on the top of the cliffs is super windy and much colder than on the beach.
How to get to Étretat France?
By car:
Of course, the best way is to drive there. We did it this way as part of our Normandy road trip from Luxembourg. We saw the Étretat on Thursday, and the next day we went to the Mont Saint-Michel. Even though we arrived during the week, finding a parking spot was a challenge for us. But eventually we managed. From Paris, driving takes approximately 3 hours and 1.5 hours from Rouen.
By train:
By train it is possible to get to Étretat, but this might be more tricky, not as easy and simple as by car. There is no direct train from Paris, but you need to change only once for the bus to get there.
By bus:
You shouldn’t waste your time and money by travelling by train and making changes. There is a direct FlixBus from Paris for only 27 euros, and in 3 and a half hours you will be in Étretat.
How to get to Étretat from Paris?
A very common question would be how to get to Étretat from Paris. You can drive, and it will be the most comfortable way, and it takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes and costs 35-55 euros.
There is also a direct FlixBus departing from Paris (Bercy Seine) and arriving at Étretat. Services depart twice daily and operate every day.
But I would truly recommend buying a day trip from Paris. There is a guided tour with a small group of people. You pay once, and they drive you from Paris to Étretat and not only. During the day trip, you will also be lucky enough to visit the beautiful city of Rouen and experience some wine tasting.
The 5 most interesting facts about Étretat
What would a trip to this lovely coast be without some interesting facts?
- Étretat’s breathtaking cliffs inspired iconic artist Claude Monet, who painted them over 90 times.
- During World War II, the Germans occupied the area and built fortifications along the cliffs. Some of these bunkers can still be seen.
- The Aiguille d’Étretat, a sharp, needle-like formation, rises to 70 meters above the sea.
- The dramatic cliffs of Étretat have appeared in several movies, including “Lupin,” the popular French TV series on Netflix.
- Étretat has one of Europe’s most beautiful golf courses. Golfers come from all over the world to play at the Golf d’Étretat, which is perched on the cliffs and has a stunning view.
Things to do in Étretat
Let’s be honest. The main reason you are driving so far to the north of France is not to see the Eiffel Tower but to explore the enormous cliffs.
Explore the white cliffs
Cliffs of Étretat (Falaises d’Étretat): The stunning chalk cliffs are the main attraction, including the iconic natural arches such as the Falaise d’Aval and the Manneporte. You can hike along the cliffs for breathtaking views of the sea.
Arsène Lupin, a fictional character in Maurice Leblanc’s novels, made the 70-meter-high needle-shaped rock formation known as L’Aiguille Creuse.
The famous Falaise d’Aval cliff, with its arch that looks like an elephant’s trunk, and the tall Aiguille (needle) cliff were two of Monet’s main subjects in his art.
Wander Along the Seaside Boardwalk in Étretat Beach
The beach, although pebbly, provides a breathtaking view of the cliffs in the background. It’s a great spot for relaxing and a path that goes to the white cliffs. Some sections have concrete bunkers embedded into the rock. During World War II, the Nazis manufactured them to ward off the Allies. A few panels detail the sites’ significance during World War II. Take a nice stroll on the beach and learn some WWII history.
Climb to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
Perched on top of the cliffs, this small chapel offers panoramic views of the coast. It’s a peaceful place to reflect and enjoy the scenery. A must-do when visiting Étretat is the ascent to the Chapel. The opportunity to see the Étretat cliffs from a higher vantage point is a perfect justification for taking additional panoramic photos.
Visit the Jardins d'Etretat (Etretat Gardens)
Among the many interesting attractions in Étretat and Normandy, the Gardens are a must-see. Not far from the chapel, they sit atop the cliffs that overlook the famous “Étretat Needle” rock formation.
A fascinating fusion of landscape design and land art sculptures can be found in the Gardens of Étretat. The renowned landscape architect Alexandre Grivko was responsible for designing their layout. Grivko created this intricate and alluring itinerary of plant sculptures and contemporary art with inspiration from the typical coastal flora of Normandy.
Ready for an unforgettable Normandy trip?
In conclusion, you should be prepared to visit the breathtaking Étretat for the first time. You will fall in love with nature’s beauty if you like outdoor activities. These massive white cliffs in north France—which Claude Monet painted over ninety times—are a must-see on any European traveler’s itinerary, thanks to their combination of breathtaking scenery and WWII history.
Curious about what else to see on a road trip through Normandy? Continue your journey westward the following day and stop at the stunning Mont Saint-Michel. During our Normandy road trip in May 2023, we stopped in Étretat and attempted a perilous barefoot trek through the quicksand at Mont Saint-Michel. Both locations were wonderful, and the weather was perfect. I will definitely return to Étretat if I am ever in North France again.
