8 Best Things to Do in Etretat
What is Étretat Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Étretat involve views of its spectacular white chalk cliffs and time in its charming centre. Nestled along Normandy’s Alabaster Coast, the town has a pebble beach, a hilltop golf course and seafood restaurants along a seaside promenade. Each of these is carefully situated to showcase the limestone and flint cliffs in all their towering glory.
A favourite destination of painter Claude Monet and other artists and writers, the scenery certainly makes an impression. This is also a great destination for families, with a kid-friendly rail bike ride through the countryside being a highlight. Read on to discover some great Étretat activities.
What are the best things to do in Étretat?
1. Falaises d’Étretat
The sublime limestone giants of the Alabaster Coast
Categoría: Fotos, Viajes diferentes, Opciones económicas
The Falaises d’Étretat are among the most awe-inspiring natural landmarks in France. The white chalk cliffs rise vertically on either side of the beach, some as much as 90 metres tall. Looking left from the beach, you’ll find the Porte d’Aval and L’Aiguille, a stone archway and ‘The Needle’ that shoots up beside it. On the opposite side, an unusually shaped cliff stretches away from the coast, described by writer Guy de Maupassant as an elephant dipping its trunk.
Walking paths along the coast offer the most breathtaking views of the limestone and flint cliffs, although frequent landslides mean it’s vital to stay far from the cliff edges. Avoid peak summer holidays to enjoy this magnificent site without the crowds.
Falaises d'Étretat
2. Plage d’Etretat
Sun and seafood at the town’s pebble beach
Categoría: Fotos, Opciones económicas, Familias
The town of Étretat is so petite that you can reach its beach from pretty much anywhere in a 5 or 10-minute walk. For centuries this was a fishing town, and in one Monet painting the shore is covered in brightly painted boats. Today, the pebble beach is studded with umbrellas and bordered by the Perrey, the city’s seawall promenade and home to several popular seafood restaurants.
The English Channel is warm enough for a swim in the summer months. Kayaking gives an excellent vantage point for viewing the towering chalk cliffs, as does sailing. The best thing to do here is simply take in the view, celebrated by writers and artists since the 19th century.
Ubicación: 1 Pl. Victor Hugo, 76790 Étretat, France
Plage d'Etretat
3. Jardins d’Etretat
Fanciful hilltop gardens with a fantastic view
Categoría: Fotos, Parejas
The Jardins d’Étretat are a delightful blend of art and nature. The gardens date back to 1903 when Claude Monet inspired actress Madame Thébault to create an avant-garde garden around her villa that overlooked the chalk cliffs.
This whimsical property, divided into 7 areas, is characterised by swirling sculpted hedges and modern art installations. The Jardin d’Aval features a collection of orchids while the Jardin Émotions houses 7 highly expressive sculptures depicting human emotion. From the Jardin Impressions, you can view a stunning panorama of the city, the cliffs and the sea.
Ubicación: Av. Damilaville, 76790 Étretat, France
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 27 05 76
Jardins d'Etretat
4. Etretat Town Centre
For local seafood and souvenirs
Categoría: Historia, Compras
The size of Étretat’s town centre makes it easily walkable, with just a few crisscrossing streets populated by residences, restaurants and shops. The mix of medieval-style half-timbered houses and elegant 19th-century villas reflects a long history and gives it a distinct charm.
Restaurants serve crepes, French classics and plenty of seafood, with heaping servings of Moules Normandie being a local favourite. Browse the stalls at the Vieux Marché for regional specialties like calvados and camembert or visit the Église Notre-Dame, a large Romanesque church built in the 12th century.
Etretat Town Centre
5. Le Vieux Marché
Market hall with handicrafts and Norman specialities
Categoría: Compras, Gastronomía
Despite its classic medieval architecture, the Vieux Marché was built in 1928 by the municipality to embellish the town centre. The quaint marketplace houses shops selling local products and souvenirs under a high-timbered ceiling reminiscent of a Viking hall.
Vendors set up shop every day of the week selling handicrafts, clothing and gifts, including specialities of Normandy like its famous cider and cheese. The Vieux Marché is located in the centre of town adjacent to the Place du Maréchal Foch, which hosts a fruit and vegetable market each Thursday morning. Get your picnic ingredients here.
Ubicación: 16 Pl. Maréchal Foch, 76790 Étretat, France
Horario: Daily from 11 am to 7 pm
Le Vieux Marché
6. Le Clos Lupin - Maison Maurice Leblanc
The home of a beloved writer
Categoría: Historia, Familias, Parejas
Le Clos Lupin is a house museum dedicated to the author Maurice Leblanc and the legendary gentleman thief of his creation, Arsène Lupin. Situated in Leblanc’s home of 20 years, the museum transports visitors to the early 20th century through its rooms filled with period decoration and the author’s manuscripts and personal accessories.
Audio tours in French and English, complemented by audio and visual effects, provide insight into the author’s life and work. The museum bookshop sells copies of the famous detective stories. The lavender Lupinus flowers, from which the detective took his name, bloom in the garden. Although it is a small museum, Le Clos Lupin will nevertheless delight fans of Arsène Lupin.
Ubicación: 15 Rue Guy de Maupassant, 76790 Étretat, France
Horario: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to noon and 1.30 pm to 6 pm, Sunday from 10.30 am to noon and 1.30 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 10 59 53
Le Clos Lupin - Maison Maurice Leblanc
7. Vélo-Rails d’Etretat
An old railway track provides cycling fun
Categoría: Familias, Aventura
The Vélo-Rails d’Étretat are a unique and fun way to explore the Normandy countryside with the family. Children will love the novelty of riding the rail bikes, which follow an out-of-use railway line through woodlands and rolling hills where cattle graze.
Start your journey by boarding a train to the neighbouring town of Les Loges, where the vélo-rail route begins. As the 6-km route is entirely downhill, this is a leisurely ride lasting about 30 minutes. Your foray into the countryside concludes as you pedal toward Étretat and the chalk cliffs come into view.
Ubicación: 56 Rue de la Gare, 76790 Les Loges, France
Horario: Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Friday)
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 29 49 61
Vélo-Rails d'Etretat
8. Golf d’Etretat
A rolling green with unbeatable views
Categoría: Parejas, Fotos
Golf d’Étretat is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in France, and for good reason: the view from the green is nothing short of spectacular. Perched atop the hill to the southwest of the town, the 18-hole course can be a heavenly experience, with panoramic views of the chalk cliffs and the English Channel. The course is accessible to golfers of all levels, but unpredictable coastal winds can make it particularly challenging.
The friendly staff in the pro shop are known to offer top-tier hospitality, making this an all-round great experience. If you can’t get enough of the view, head to the clubhouse terrace for a post-game drink or family-friendly dinner.
Ubicación: Rte du Havre, 76790 Étretat, France
Horario: Mid-March–October: daily from 8 am to 7 pm. November–mid-March: Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 27 04 89
Golf d'Etretat
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