Ever dreamt of standing atop dramatic white cliffs with the sea crashing below and the wind in your hair? That’s exactly what we find in Étretat, a romantic resort town on the Normandy coast of France.

With its natural arches, pebble beaches, and charming village atmosphere, Étretat is more than a pretty postcard — it's a destination that captures our hearts. Here's everything we need to know before planning the perfect visit.

How to Get to Étretat

The easiest way to reach Étretat is from Paris. We can take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Le Havre or Bréauté-Beuzeville, then switch to a local bus (line 17 or 24). The full trip takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.

If we’re renting a car, it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Paris. Having a car also gives us more freedom to explore the surrounding coast.

- Tip: Parking in Étretat can be limited in peak season. Paid parking lots are available close to the beach and cliffs.

Top Attractions and Prices

Most of Étretat’s natural sights are free to explore, including the iconic Cliffs of Étretat (Falaise d’Aval and Falaise d’Amont) and the famous Arch and Needle rock formations. The walking trails along the cliffs offer spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Here are a few highlights:

- Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde: A small chapel perched on the cliff. Free to visit, great panoramic views.

- Jardins d'Étretat (Étretat Gardens): A unique sculpture garden with creative landscaping and cliffside views.

- Ticket Price: $12 USD (approx. €11)

- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April to October), limited hours in winter.

- Clos Arsène Lupin: A museum dedicated to the fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, set in a charming villa.

- Ticket Price: $9 USD (approx. €8.50)

- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM from April to October.

Best Time to Visit Étretat

We recommend visiting Étretat from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this time, the weather is mild and ideal for hiking the cliffs or enjoying the beach. July and August are the most crowded, so visiting in May, June, or September offers the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

Where to Eat and Stay

Étretat offers cozy cafes and seafood restaurants with cliffside views. Look for local specialties like mussels in cream sauce or Normandy apple tarts.

Accommodation ranges from seaside hotels to charming B&Bs. Prices typically range from $90 to $180 USD per night depending on the season.

- Tip: Book your stay early if you're planning to visit in the summer — many places fill up quickly.

Practical Tips for Visiting Étretat

Wear good walking shoes: The cliff paths are uneven and can get slippery when wet.

Start early: To catch the best light and avoid crowds, plan a morning hike on the cliffs.

Check tide schedules: The rock formations and beach caves are best seen during low tide.

Bring layers: Even in summer, sea winds can be chilly, especially on the cliffs.

Is Étretat Worth It?

Absolutely. Étretat captures our hearts with its dramatic cliffs, serene seascapes, and timeless atmosphere. Standing on the edge of the cliffs with the wind in our hair and the sea stretching out before us, we can't help but feel connected to something bigger — to nature, to art, to quiet moments that truly matter.

Étretat isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to remember. So let’s plan the journey, breathe in that ocean air, and let Normandy’s coastline surprise us in the best way possible.