So you want to know what are the best things to do in Étretat, France?
Great, you’re in the right place.
In this artical, we’re going to discuss the top things to do in Étretat (Etretat)
12-Etretat in Normandy
“Étretat’s cliffs” are one of the most important attractions in the town. The “Falaise d’Aval” features the impressive “Maniport arch” and, the “iconic hollow needle”. Its needle-shaped rock was sculpted by centuries of erosion. The Falaise d’Haval offers different perspectives and features a sharp cliffside quaint chapel, and breathtaking views of the coastlines. You can explore these natural wonders on foot, with scenic hiking trails providing numerous vantage points.
11-Jardins d'Etretat
This is a beautiful garden on the cliffs of Étretat, which combines nature with art. Designed by “Alexandre Grivko”, the garden has different sections like the “Emotions” and the “Garden of the Sea”. You’ll see well-trimmed plants and unique art, including sculptures of faces that are fun to take pictures. As you walk the garden, you can enjoy green spaces and gorgeous views of the “Étretat” cliffs and beach. The garden is open all year, with colorful flowers in spring. You can see green plants in the summer.
10-Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
Climbing to the “Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde” is one of the most rewarding experiences in Etretat. This “neo-gothic chapel”, was built in 1950 as a tribute to local sailors and stands at the top of the stunning “La Falaise d’Amont” cliffs. The chapel also features unique “fish-shaped gargoyles” and a “hull-shaped” nave, that mirrors the maritime heritage of the area. Though the chapel isn’t open to the public, the panoramic views make you happy with your climb up the hill. From the top, you’ll enjoy wide-sweeping views of other “Etretat’s” cliffs and the Ocean, that’s perfect for photos.
9-Étretat Beach
This beautiful pebble beach is surrounded by majestic white cliffs shaped by the sea. You can walk along to see old fishing boats and enjoy the seaside traditions. The beach itself allows you to relax on polished pebbles while gazing at the famous rock arches and cliffs, including La Porte de Valle. You can also have fun dipping your feet in the clear refreshing water, on the rocky beach. Remember to check the tide schedules, so that you can, explore tide pools filled with crabs and fish.
8-Le Clos Arsène Lupin, Maison Maurice Le Blanc
Once this was the home of “Maurice Leblanc”, the creator of the fictional master thief character “Arsène Lupin”. This historic house is a museum dedicated to the author and his famous character, with its classic Norman architecture and scenic garden. As you explore the museum, its carefully arranged artifacts and engaging audio guidance bring us to the character’s real-life adventures. You can watch Le Blanc’s original manuscripts and personal belongings. If you enjoy mysteries, “Needle”, is a thrilling challenge based on, one of his most famous adventures. the highlight is solving the riddle inspired by the story, “The Hollow”.
7-Monument L'Oiseau Blanc
The monument commemorates French pilots “Charles Nungesser” and “Francois Coly”, who vanished in 1927 while attempting the first non-stop flight from Paris to New York. Set behind the cliffside Chapelle “Notre-Dame de la Garde”, displays an airplane’s tail and stands as a tribute to the daring spirit of the two aviators. You can enjoy the sweeping views of the cliffs and, walk through the lush “Jardin d’Etretat”. There is a small museum near the monument where you can gain deeper insights into the pilot’s journey and, the mystery surrounding their disappearance.
6-Club de golf d'Étretat
best French golf course perched at the Normandy cliffs boasts spectacular views. Its breathtaking landscape and challenging design stand out as one of the top-ranked golf courses in France. As you play, the natural curves of the cliffs, with each hole offering a different angle of the ocean below. You can find fairways in that pitch by yourself. The wind often sweeps across the golf course and adds a unique challenge to an exciting game for seasoned players.
5-Le Vieux-Marché
This is the old market hall in Normandy. It features a classic half-timbered style with a slate roof and wooden beams. Located in the center of town, this market hosts stalls with local products and souvenirs. also you can find items like handmade crafts and postcards in it. The town’s walls also have plaques honoring the British soldiers it served that share “World War I” history.
4-Casino JOA Etretat
This casino offers various entertainment options, including blackjack tables and slot machines. In Étretat’s cliffs, the casino gives a stunning view. It also has two restaurants and bars. Both restaurants are family-friendly and have a separate entrance for guests under eighteens. You can enjoy the seasonal menus, fresh traditional dishes, and specialty grilled meats in the restaurants. In summer, the terrace is a great spot for watching the sunset over the sea.
3-Musée du Patrimoine
To learn more about the history and culture of “Étretat”, here are the places where you’d want to go. The museum displays how the town’s fishermen lived, and how it became a seaside resort in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is located on a cliff near the town’s gardens, and you can watch how these cliffs inspired artists and writers. You’ll see old artifacts, photos, documents, and fishing traditions that tell the story of its role during “World War II” in that area. The museum also offers a quiet and detailed experience, with a strong connection between the people, the land, and the sea.
2-Stroll Around the Town "Étretat's"
Town center is perfect for a leisurely walk. Here you’ll find a mix of half-timbered houses, cozy cafes, and quirky boutiques, all with a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to explore. You can stop at the restaurants for fresh local “Seafood”, or try the “classic mussels with french fries” paired with a white wine or a refreshing local cider. As you walk around you’ll find galleries showcasing the local arts, and other small shops with Normandy specialties, including creamy cheeses and cider. Grab a “french crepe” from a street vendor for a sweet break.
1-Low-Tide Beach Walks For more adventure
to discover the beauty on the coast, walk along the beach when the tide is low usually hidden by water. You can reach quiet beaches through rocky paths and ladders, with the cliffs often bathed in sunlight. If you plan to watch the tide, make sure to start early. For a special experience, walk through the sunset when the cliffs glow in golden light. Also, be careful of falling rocks and fast-moving tides, and stay only on the marked paths for safety.
