Falaises d'Étretat
The arch, the needle, the GR21
Normandy's iconic image. Three natural arches carved from the chalk, including the Manneporte that Monet painted. Allow a full day from Vittefleur. Go early or late to escape the coach tours.
The essentials (03)
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The Aval cliff & the Needle
The image we all have in mind: the 80 m chalk arch, and the 70 m needle right beside it. The clifftop path is reachable on foot from the beach in 20 minutes — a little steep.
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The covered market & the centre
At the heart of the village, the 19th-century timber-framed covered market still houses shops, ice-cream sellers and local produce stalls. All around, the pedestrian streets line up restaurants, brasseries and makers. The outdoor market sets up on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
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The beach & the pebbles
Pebble beach, swimming in season, restaurants on the seafront. Ideal for a picnic after the morning hike. The Étretat gardens (just above) are worth it for the view.
Getting there — what to know
Off-season or very early morning. The afternoon is packed. The best light is late in the day, from the Amont cliff (east side).
- Paid in season · Grandval car park recommended
- €10 · stunning view of the cliffs
- Check ahead — the arch is only accessible at low tide
- Go at 8am or after 6pm in summer
