Etretat cliffs, Normandy, France

The Étretat Cliffs are a series of steep white chalk cliffs located on the coast of Normandy, along the English Channel. They are famous for their natural arches, sharp rock formations, and high cliffs that rise directly from the sea. Over time, wind and waves have shaped the rock into striking forms that have become symbols of the Normandy coast. The cliffs have inspired many artists and writers, including Claude Monet and Guy de Maupassant, and are today one of the most visited natural sites in northern France.

Location

Étretat is a small coastal town in the Seine-Maritime department of Normandy. It lies about 30 kilometers northeast of Le Havre and around 200 kilometers northwest of Paris. The cliffs stretch on both sides of the town, framing the beach and harbor area.

Main sights at Étretat

Porte d’Aval and Porte d’Amont.
These two large natural arches stand on either side of the town. Porte d’Aval is the most photographed and is located to the southwest, while Porte d’Amont lies to the northeast, below the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Garde.

L’Aiguille (The Needle).
This pointed rock, about 51 m high, rises from the sea near the Porte d’Aval and is one of the most recognizable features of Étretat.

Clifftop paths.
Marked walking trails lead along the tops of the cliffs, offering wide views of the coast and the open sea. These paths are accessible to most visitors, though some sections can be windy.

Safety and access

The cliffs and beaches are free to visit all year. The chalk is fragile and blocks fall regularly, so stay on the marked paths and well back from the edge. The Chambre des Demoiselles grotto in the Falaise d’Aval has been closed by municipal order since April 2025. Walks along the foot of the cliffs to the neighbouring coves are only possible at low tide, so check the tide times before you go to avoid being cut off.

How to get there

By car.
Driving is the easiest way to reach Étretat. The town is well connected by regional roads from Le Havre, Rouen, and other Norman cities. Parking in the centre is limited and paid, so arrive early in summer and at weekends.

By train and bus.
The nearest major train stations are in Le Havre and Bréauté–Beuzeville. From there, regional buses connect to Étretat, though services may be limited outside peak season.