Paris is a wonderful city to explore on your first visit to France but France is more than just Paris, and if you’re like me, too much city is not always great for one’s soul.
If you love nature and enjoy connecting with the land, making the trip to Etretat in upper Normandy is a great way to get away from the bustling streets of Paris and enjoy a slice of France that not many get to experience.
Where is Etretat?
Etretat is a town located in the northern coast of France. It’s known for its rock formations carved out of its white cliffs, beautiful sunsets, beaches and great seafood.
How to get to Etretat from Paris
There are many ways to get to Etertat from Paris. Driving your own car is the best way to go about making this trip, but if you don’t have a car, here are a few options for you.
By train from Saint Lazart to Breaute Beuzeville
From Paris, take the train from Saint Lazare station located at 13 Rue d’Amsterdam 75008 Paris, France and stop at Bréauté-Beuzeville station.
I bought my train ticket for 32.80 Euros (one way) from Saint Lazare.
There is a bus connection from Bréauté-Beuzeville station to the village of Etretat by line number 17 BUT when I arrived to Bréauté-Beuzeville, I had a hard time finding the bus and barely anyone to talk to.
I ended up taking another train to Fécamp where I took a bus to Etretat.
It was a longer ride but I enjoyed the countryside and seeing places that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
So instead, you can arrange transport directly from Bréauté-Beuzeville by contacting Taxis des Hautes Falaises on 02 35 10 85 88 or 06 12 09 52 78.
Alternatively,
By bus from Paris
From Paris you can travel by bus with Flixbus. Check their schedule and itinerary here.
By shared ride from Paris
BlaBlaCar is a popular French online market place for carpooling. This platform connects drivers and passengers willing to travel together between cities and share the cost of the journey.
Where to stay in Etretat
Whether you are a luxury traveler or a budget backpacker, there is no shortage of accommodation in Etretat.
Etretat is, However, a popular destination in Normandy especially during summer and during school holiday. It’s better to secure your accomodation before showing up.
Similar to any other trip, my first go to platforms to pick accommodation are Booking.com and Airbnb. But here is a breakdown of accommodation by budget type.
Budget accommodation in Etretat
This website provides a lot of options for students, backpackers, digital nomads or pretty much anyone looking for cheap dorms and safe private rooms in downtown Étretat. Most of the accommodation is close to schools, buses and major attractions in Étretat.
Here are a few hostels to consider:
- Hotel Des Falaises
- Detective Hotel
- Hotel La Résidence Manoir De La Salamandre
- Hotel d’Angleterre Etretat
Mid-range accommodation in Etretat
- Dormy House
- La villa 10
- L’Aiguille Creuse Etretat
I stayed at Dormy House during my visit to Etretat and I enjoyed my stay with them. They have a direct pathway to get to the beach and walk to the water front restaurants. The rooms are very nice with incredible views.
Their breakfast was everything that you would expect from a French breakfast. I highly recommend staying at Dormy House.
Luxury accommodation in Etretat
- Le Donjon – Domaine Saint Clair
- Castel De La Terrasse
- Les Hauts d’Etretat
Things to do in Etretat
The Cliffs of Etretat
Étretat is best known for its chalk cliffs, including three natural arches: Porte d’Aval, Porte d’Amont and the Manneporte, as well as a pointed rock formation called L’Aiguille or the Needle, which rises 70 metres (230 ft) above the sea.
The cliffs are so unique and majestic that they inspired a lot of artists. The famous painter Claude Monet created more than 80 pieces of work that depict the cliffs at Etretat.
The seaside promenade is an excellent place for a stroll and to get a closer view of the Etretat cliffs.
One of my favorite memories is walking the beach’s promenade before the sunrise. Not a single soul, the sound of seagulls and crashing waves makes it the best time to enjoy this treat all to yourself.
Visit Notre Dame de la Garde
From the seaside, you can easily spot the chapel of Notre Dame de la garde.
Les Jardins d’Etretat
The stunning gardens of Etretat offer breath taking views of the cliffs, the sea and the town. The gardens are home to incredible sculptures and immaculately sculpted shrubs. A perfect stop for lovers of art and nature.
The gardens are open to the public everyday from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.
The tickets are €8.95 if you purchase them online or €10.50 at the door.
Porte d’Aval, and Porte d’Amont are visible from the town, The Manneporte is the third and the biggest one, and cannot be seen from the town.
The GR 21 long-distance hiking path (Le Havre to Le Tréport) passes through the town.