If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing destination in France, look no further than Étretat, a charming town on the Normandy coast. Étretat is famous for its dramatic white cliffs, carved by the sea into arches and needles. These natural wonders have inspired many artists, writers, and adventurers over the centuries, and they will surely take your breath away.
Étretat is more than just a pretty picture, though. It also has a rich history, a lively culture, and plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you want to hike along the cliffs, explore the town’s heritage, or simply relax on the beach, Étretat has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Étretat, France, and why you should add it to your bucket list.
Hike the Cliffs of Étretat
The most iconic attraction in Étretat is the cliffs that surround the town. There are three main arches: Porte d’Aval, Porte d’Amont, and Manneporte. The Porte d’Aval is the most famous one, as it has a needle-shaped rock next to it, called L’Aiguille. The Porte d’Amont is located on the other side of the town, and it has a chapel on top of it, dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. The Manneporte is the largest and most impressive arch, but it is not visible from the town. You have to hike along the cliff to see it.
The best way to appreciate the beauty of the cliffs is to hike the trails that run along them. There are two main trails: one on the left side of the town, leading to the Porte d’Aval and the Manneporte, and one on the right side, leading to the Porte d’Amont and the chapel. Both trails offer stunning views of the sea, the town, and the cliffs. The trails are not very difficult, but they can be steep and slippery in some parts, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks.
The hike to the Porte d’Aval and the Manneporte takes about an hour and a half, round trip. You can start from the beach, where you will see a sign for the GR21, a long-distance hiking trail that passes through Étretat. Follow the trail up the stairs, and you will reach the first viewpoint, where you can see the Porte d’Aval and L’Aiguille. From there, you can continue along the cliff, passing by a golf course and a monument dedicated to the pilots Nungesser and Coli, who attempted to cross the Atlantic in 1927. You will then reach the second viewpoint, where you can see the Manneporte, the largest arch in Europe. You can either go back the same way, or follow the trail down to the beach, where you can walk back to the town.
The hike to the Porte d’Amont and the chapel takes about an hour, round trip. You can start from the town center, where you will see a sign for the GR21. Follow the trail up the hill, and you will reach the first viewpoint, where you can see the Porte d’Amont and the town. From there, you can continue along the cliff, passing by a garden and a bunker from World War II. You will then reach the second viewpoint, where you can see the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, a small white building perched on the edge of the cliff. You can either go back the same way, or follow the trail down to the beach, where you can walk back to the town.
Explore the Town of Étretat
Étretat is not only a natural paradise, but also a charming town with a lot of character. You can easily explore the town on foot, as it is not very big. You will find many shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries along the main street, Rue Alphonse Karr, and the promenade, Boulevard René Coty. You can also visit some of the town’s attractions, such as:
The market: Every Thursday morning, there is a market in the town center, where you can buy fresh produce, cheese, bread, seafood, and other local specialties. It is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
The church: The church of Saint-Joseph is a beautiful Gothic building that dates back to the 12th century. It has a remarkable stained glass window that depicts the life of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the town.
The museum: The museum of Étretat is located in a former fisherman’s house, and it showcases the history and heritage of the town. You can learn about the fishing industry, the maritime traditions, the artistic movements, and the famous personalities that have visited or lived in Étretat, such as Claude Monet, Guy de Maupassant, Maurice Leblanc, and Gustave Courbet.
The gardens: The gardens of Étretat are a recent addition to the town, but they have already become a popular attraction. They are located on the cliff, above the Porte d’Amont, and they offer a stunning view of the sea and the arches. The gardens are designed by the Russian landscape artist Alexandre Grivko, and they feature sculptures, water features, and exotic plants.
Relax on the Beach of Étretat
If you are looking for some relaxation, you can head to the beach of Étretat, a long stretch of pebbles that faces the sea and the cliffs. The beach is a great place to enjoy the sun, the breeze, and the sound of the waves. You can also swim, surf, kayak, or sail in the water, but be aware that the sea can be cold and rough, so be careful and follow the safety rules. You can also rent a deckchair, a parasol, or a cabin on the beach, and enjoy the view in comfort.
The beach of Étretat is also a great place to watch the sunset, as the sky and the cliffs turn into different shades of pink, orange, and purple. You can also see the lights of the town and the chapel on the cliff, creating a magical atmosphere. You can either sit on the beach, or go to one of the bars or restaurants on the promenade, and enjoy a drink or a meal with a view.
Étretat is a beautiful and charming town that deserves a visit. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Étretat will enchant you with its stunning cliffs, its cozy town, and its relaxing beach. It is a place that you will never forget, and that you will want to return to again and again.
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