What to do during a weekend in Etretat, France?

Etretat is a French town located in the north of France, in Normandy.

Today, it is a renowned seaside resort and I am going to suggest some activities to do if you plan to go there one day!

It will allow you to appreciate the landscapes different from what we usually know such as the French Riviera.

The Gardens of Etretat

The neo-futuristic Étretat Gardens stretch out on the cliffs of the Côte d'Albâtre, one of the wonders of Normandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The gardens are also known because they surround a villa that once belonged to Madame Thébault, an actress from Paris, in the early XXᵉ century, also a friend of the famous French painter Claude Monet.

On the gently sloping ground offering a breathtaking view of the Aval cliff and the Aiguille, one discovers a set of fairy-tale gardens, unique in its kind, modern, uncluttered, and inviting to reverie, all strewn with contemporary artworks.

We say gardens because there are several:

- The “Avatar” Garden

- The “Emotions” Garden

- the “Impressions” garden

- the “Aval” garden

- the “Zen” garden

- the Channel garden

- the “Amont” garden

The Cliffs of Etretat

The cliffs of Etretat are the perfect place for beautiful hikes. You can follow an itinerary that links the cliffs, the Cap d'Antifer and the cliffs of Aval, passing by the cliff of Manneporte.

The panoramas on the sea that you can enjoy are just breathtaking! In my opinion, the best moments to capture are at sunset time!

The Maurice Leblanc House

A small reference to the successful French series Lupin on Netflix, the Maison Maurice Leblanc is the former residence of the father of the famous burglar Arsène Lupin!

Formerly the author's home, the Clos Lupin has been transformed into a gentleman burglar's lair. At the reception, you will be given the necessary material to discover a scenographic itinerary with the greatest of thieves.

An original and unusual way to immerse yourself in the world of Maurice Leblanc!

You will plunge into an enigmatic atmosphere to meet Arsène Lupin and Maurice Leblanc.

The Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

On the cliff of Amont, you can also visit the chapel.

It was built following a mission preached by Reverend Father Michel in 1854, the inhabitants decided to build a chapel dedicated to the Holy Virgin.

This chapel, with its neo-gothic architectural style, is unique thanks to its nave in the shape of a hull. The framework lined with frieze will remind the sailors of a very familiar environment!

The beach of Etretat

Etretat beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy, especially because it is surrounded by cliffs up and downstream.

If tourists like to go there in summer, one can also enjoy a moment at the beach during the autumn time to observe great and impressive waves!