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Natural site · Honfleur, Normandia
Falaises d'Étretat
White limestone cliffs over 90 meters high, natural arches and the stone needle that appear in Monet's paintings and in the Arsène Lupin books.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Falaises d'Étretat
Étretat is a small town on the Côte d'Albâtre, north of Le Havre, famous for its white limestone cliffs over 90 meters high, its three natural arches and its grey pebble beach.
The best-known spot is the Falaise d'Aval, to the west of the beach, with the Porte d'Aval arch and, next to it, the Aiguille, a stone needle rising from the sea. On the other side of the beach, the Falaise d'Amont has the chapel Notre-Dame de la Garde at the top. Trails climb both cliffs and lead to viewpoints over the coast.
In the 19th century the former fishing village became a fashionable resort. Monet, Courbet and Boudin painted the cliffs, and writer Maurice Leblanc, who lived in Étretat, made the Aiguille the hideout of the thief Arsène Lupin in A Agulha Oca.
Étretat is about 50 km from Honfleur via the Pont de Normandie, the cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Seine estuary, and about 90 km from Rouen. The two excursions combine well in the same day by car.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours to climb both cliffs and descend to the beach.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside summer weekends, when parking fills up. Stay away from the cliff edges and respect areas closed due to erosion. Check the tide before descending to the beach.
How to get there
By car from Honfleur, cross the Pont de Normandie and follow signs via Le Havre, about 50 km. By public transport, the route goes via Le Havre, from where buses depart to Étretat; check routes and timetables.
Tip
Wear closed shoes: the trails are dirt and grass and become slippery when wet. The beach is pebbly and uncomfortable for walking barefoot.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Falaises d'Étretat
Can you get to Étretat by public transport?
Yes, by bus from Le Havre. By car it’s easier, especially if you want to combine it with Honfleur on the same day.
Which cliff is best to climb?
The Falaise d'Aval has views of the Porte d'Aval and the Aiguille; the Falaise d'Amont has the chapel and views over the town. If you have time, do both.
How long does it take from Honfleur to Étretat?
About 50 km by car, crossing the Pont de Normandie and passing through Le Havre.
What does Arsène Lupin have to do with Étretat?
The writer Maurice Leblanc lived in Étretat and placed the thief's hideout in the Aiguille in the book The Hollow Needle.