Étretat: Cliffs, Charm, and Coastal Wonder

Étretat is the kind of place that feels like a painting brought to life. Perched along Normandy’s Alabaster Coast, this seaside town is best known for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural rock formations that have captivated artists, writers, and travelers for centuries.

But beyond the postcard views, Étretat offers a peaceful rhythm, winding streets, and a quiet beauty that invites you to slow down and explore.

A Landscape That Inspired the Masters

Few places in France have been as frequently painted or photographed as Étretat’s coastline. The towering arches and needle-like rock spires—the Falaise d’Aval, the Manneporte, and the Aiguille—rise from the sea like sculptures. These natural wonders famously inspired Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, and Eugène Boudin, who returned here again and again to capture the changing light and tides.

The best views come with a short climb. Trails on both sides of the town lead to panoramic overlooks above the cliffs. Whether you walk to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde on the north cliff or venture along the south path toward the Falaise d’Amont, each perspective reveals something new—and unforgettable.

A Seaside Village With Character

While the cliffs may draw the crowds, the village of Étretat makes it easy to stay longer. The center is compact and walkable, filled with stone cottages, half-timbered houses, and small artisan shops. The pace of the town is calm, especially in the early morning or late evening when the day-trippers leave and Étretat exhales.

Wander through the local market or browse the boutiques selling Norman specialties—salted caramels, cider, cheeses, and handcrafted soaps. The covered market, located just off the main square, is a lovely spot to explore and pick up a few souvenirs or picnic treats.

A Famous Home Worth the Detour

15 Rue Guy de Maupassant

There is one famous house that is also worth a detour:  that of author Maurice Leblanc, creator of the Arsène Lupin novels.  Now a museum, his former home is filled with nods to the series of his infamous “gentleman thief”. The Netflix series “Lupin”, created in 2021, made these books, and the town, a lot more famous, with Omar Sy frantically looking for his son along the boardwalk. 

Where to Eat in Étretat

Being right on the coast, Étretat is an excellent place to enjoy fresh seafood and Norman cuisine with a sea breeze nearby.

Le Homard Bleu
An elegant option for seafood with a view. Reserve ahead if you’d like a table overlooking the cliffs.
2 Rue du Dr de Miramont

La Marie Antoinette
Warm and welcoming, this bistro is known for its regional dishes and rustic style.
Place du Maréchal Foch

Le Bel Ami
Charming and slightly eclectic, Le Bel Ami blends a cozy atmosphere with well-crafted French fare.
4 Rue Alphonse Karr

How to Get There

Étretat is a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of its appeal. There’s no direct train station in the town, which helps preserve its peaceful feel.  It is a lovely drive from CDG airport, as you go north, missing all of the Paris traffic. 

From Caen: approximately 74 miles / 1.5 hours by car
From Deauville: approximately 56 miles / 1.5 hours by car
From Paris: about 2.5 to 3 hours by car, or take a train to Le Havre and continue by bus or taxi

When to Visit

Étretat is beautiful year-round, but spring and early fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings the most visitors, especially on weekends, so aim for a weekday visit if you want to avoid the midday bustle. For photographers and early risers, morning light on the cliffs is especially stunning—and quiet.  Sunset holds its own magic as well. 

A Moment Worth the Detour

There’s a certain stillness in Étretat that lingers with you long after you leave. The waves echo against the cliffs, seagulls wheel above the sea, and the light shifts across the stone in ways that feel timeless. Whether you come for a long afternoon or spend a night tucked into one of the town’s historic guesthouses, Étretat offers more than a view—it offers a moment to breathe, reflect, and connect with the quieter side of Normandy.