Étretat — Normandy's alabaster cliffs.

Why go

Étretat's towering white cliffs and three natural arches are among the most photographed sights in France. The Porte d'Aval arch and the 70-metre Aiguille (Needle) rising from the sea are the stars, with the resort town tucked on the pebble beach below.

What to do

• Walk the clifftops — a path climbs the Falaise d'Aval; another leads up to the Falaise d'Amont and the Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel.
• Les Jardins d'Étretat — avant-garde clifftop gardens with sea views.
• The beach & town — seafood, the old market hall, and the Arsène Lupin connection (Maurice Leblanc lived here).

Getting there from Rouen

Étretat is about 1h15 by car north-west of Rouen, near Le Havre. There's no direct train, so driving (or a guided tour) is easiest. Wear proper shoes for the clifftop walks and check the weather — it can be windy on the edge.

Combine it with the Armada

Étretat works well as a full day out, or paired with Honfleur and Le Havre on the coast. See the week itinerary for how to slot it in.

Plan an Étretat day trip →