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Cliffs of Étretat

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The cliffs of Étretat, located on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, are among France's most famous natural landmarks. These monumental cliffs are composed of white chalk and flint, shaped by erosion over millions of years. Three natural arches define the landscape: the Porte d'Amont, the Porte d'Aval, and the massive Manneporte. In particular, the Porte d'Aval, with its needle-like rock formation known as the Aiguille, is a globally recognized motif. During the 19th century, Étretat attracted numerous artists, including Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet, who captured the play of light on the bright stone in their works. The writer Maurice Leblanc also used the cliffs as a setting for his stories about the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Hiking trails along the cliffs offer expansive views over the English Channel and lead to the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, which stands high above the town.

Location: Normandie, France
Top sights: Maison Maurice Leblanc · Le Clos Lupin, Maison Maurice Leblanc · Église Notre-Dame
Nearby: Vattetot-sur-Mer (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	8	10	13	16	18	18	16	14	10	7
Rain mm	79	66	62	45	56	51	55	64	54	85	90	97

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The cliffs are easily accessible on foot from the coastal town of Étretat. Most visitors arrive via regional buses or drive from nearby Le Havre.

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Best season

The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn. During these months, the weather is milder and provides clear skies for photography.

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Terrain & paths

The coastal paths follow the cliff edges and can be steep and uneven. While well-trodden, the chalky trails become remarkably slippery after heavy rain.

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What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are highly recommended for the trails. A windproof jacket is also essential due to the constant sea breezes.

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Parking

Parking in Étretat is notoriously difficult during the peak summer months. It is advisable to use the designated public car parks situated outside the town.

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Safety

Never bypass the protective fences or approach the eroding cliff edges. Sudden rockfalls occur naturally, and high tides can trap walkers on the beach.

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Time needed

A standard visit covering both sides of the cliffs usually requires two to three hours. Avid hikers often spend a full half-day exploring the extensive paths.

Geography

Coordinates

49.70780, 0.20740

Facts

The cliffs reach a maximum height of about 90 meters
The rock formation L'Aiguille stands 70 meters tall
Claude Monet created over 50 paintings of these cliffs
The Manneporte is the largest of the three natural arches
The area is part of the 130 km long Alabaster Coast
A monument honors aviators Nungesser and Coli who disappeared in 1927

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Étretat<1 km · WExplore →

Vattetot-sur-Mer6 km · NEExplore →

Saint-Jouin-Bruneval8 km · SWExplore →

Yport8 km · NEExplore →

📍Fécamp14 km · NEExplore →

📍Montivilliers18 km · SExplore →

📍Octeville-sur-Mer18 km · SExplore →

📍Harfleur22 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cliffs of Étretat (10)

Maison Maurice Leblanc 🏛 museum

Museum in France dedicated to writer Maurice Leblanc, creator of Arsène Lupin.

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Le Clos Lupin, Maison Maurice Leblanc

Home of Maurice Leblanc in Étretat, where he wrote the Arsène Lupin stories.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-12:30

Église Notre-Dame

Church in Seine-Maritime, France, featuring Gothic architecture and a historic interior.

Musée du Patrimoine 🏛 museum

Local heritage museum in Étretat, displaying artifacts from the town's past.

🌐 etretat.net

Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde

Chapel in Seine-Maritime, France, perched on a cliff overlooking the English Channel.

Château des Aygues🏰 castle

Castle in France, a historic manor house located in the town of Étretat.

Vélo-Rails Étretat Pays de Caux

Rail bike attraction on disused railway tracks through the Normandy countryside.

Porte d'Amont

Natural rock arch at the eastern end of the Étretat chalk cliffs.

Trou à l'Homme

Cave entrance at the foot of the cliff, closed to the public by official order.

Porte d'Aval

Viewpoint overlooking the famous natural arch and needle rock of Étretat.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you hike on the cliffs?

Yes, marked paths lead along the cliffs and offer spectacular views.

Is the beach accessible at high tide?

No, always check the tide tables to avoid getting trapped at the base of the cliffs.

Is there parking in the town?

The center is often crowded; use the peripheral parking lots on the edge of town.

Can you swim in Étretat?

Yes, but it's a pebble beach and the water is quite cool even in summer.

What is the best photo spot?

The view of the Porte d'Aval from the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde is iconic.

Cliffs of Étretat: where is it located?

Cliffs of Étretat is located in Normandie, France.

Cliffs of Étretat: what is there to see?

Highlights include Maison Maurice Leblanc, Le Clos Lupin, Maison Maurice Leblanc, Église Notre-Dame.

Cliffs of Étretat: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Cliffs of Étretat: why is it worth visiting?

The cliffs of Étretat, located on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, are among France's most famous natural landmarks.

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