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, surrounded by the sea. I wondered, where is this place? It looked so magical.
I went ahead and clicked the icon that showed it’s called Étretat in northern France. I had a strong intuition that I would visit Étretat one day.
People love Étretat for its beautiful natural rock formations, especially the chalk cliffs and arches that dramatically stick out into the water.
It’s a great spot to visit while 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.
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Is Étretat Worth Visiting?
Just look at pictures of these magical white cliffs with grass on top and the sea below, and imagine seeing them in real life. I think you should really visit them if you’re in France or Paris and 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 east of the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel, another must-see spot in northern France.
The cliffs and the Aiguille Creuse have made the town of Étretat world-famous. These natural wonders, rising to nearly 90 meters, are ancient witnesses to how the Normandy coast has evolved.
If you’re still wondering if Étretat is worth visiting, trust me, it is 100%. You will fall in love with the giant white cliffs and the soothing sound of the sea.
Étretat Cliffs: When Is the Best Time to Visit?
We visited Étretat at the end of May 2023, and the weather was perfect.
It was a sunny day with a clear blue sky. Since it was a weekday, the place wasn’t 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 visit Étretat are the spring months of April, May, or June, and early autumn, like September.
Remember to take a sweater or jacket, as it can be very windy and much colder on top of the cliffs than on the beach.
How to Get to Étretat, France?
By Car:
The best way is to drive. We drove there as part of our Normandy road trip from Luxembourg. We visited Étretat on Thursday, and the next day, we went to Mont Saint-Michel.
Even though we arrived during the week, finding parking was challenging. But eventually, we managed.
Driving from Paris takes about 3 hours, and it’s only 1.5 hours from Rouen.
By Train:
Getting to Étretat by train is possible, but it can be more complicated. There’s no direct train from Paris, but you only need to change once for a bus to reach Étretat.
By Bus:
I wouldn’t recommend traveling by train and making changes. There’s a direct FlixBus from Paris for only 27 euros, and in 3.5 hours, you’ll be in Étretat.
How to Get to Étretat from Paris?
A common question is how to get to Étretat from Paris. You can drive, which is the most comfortable option. It takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes and costs 35-55 euros.
There is also a direct FlixBus departing from Paris (Bercy Seine) to Étretat, operating twice daily.
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. During the day trip, you’ll also visit the beautiful city of Rouen and enjoy some wine tasting.
5 Interesting Facts About Étretat
Here are some interesting facts about this lovely coastal destination:
- 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 70 meters above the sea.
- The dramatic cliffs of Étretat have appeared in several movies, including the popular French TV series Lupin on Netflix.
- Étretat boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful golf courses. Golfers from all over the world visit the Golf d’Étretat, perched on the cliffs with stunning views.
Additional Activities to Enjoy in Étretat
Take a Boat Tour
One of the best ways to experience the cliffs is by boat. Several boat tours depart from nearby ports, giving visitors an up-close view of the stunning rock formations and sea caves.
Visit the Étretat Market
If you enjoy local culture, don’t miss the town’s market, where you can find fresh produce, regional cheese, and delicious pastries.
Try Local Cuisine
Normandy is famous for its seafood, cider, and creamy cheeses. Enjoy fresh oysters, mussels, and the region’s signature dish, Moules Marinières (mussels in white wine sauce), at a seaside restaurant.
Explore the Old Town
Stroll through the quaint streets of Étretat’s old town, where you’ll find charming boutiques, historic buildings, and cozy cafes offering authentic French treats.
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 enjoy outdoor activities. 🙂
These massive white cliffs in northern France—which Claude Monet painted over 90 times—are a must-see on any European traveler’s itinerary, thanks to their stunning scenery and rich WWII history.
Curious about what else to see on a road trip through Normandy?
Continue your journey westward and stop at the stunning Mont Saint-Michel.
During our Normandy road trip in May 2023, we visited Étretat and even attempted a 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 northern France again.
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