Etretat Cliffs

Etretat is famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs on the Normandy coast, sculpted by the sea into soaring natural arches and a lone needle of rock rising from the waves. The clifftop walks give ever-changing views of these formations, which so captivated the Impressionists that Monet painted them again and again.

Highlights

• The natural arches - the Porte d'Aval arch and the Aiguille needle.
• The Porte d'Amont - the arch and clifftop chapel at the other end of the beach.
• The clifftop walks - the paths along the top for the best views.
• The Impressionist connection - the scenes Monet and others painted.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for mild weather and clifftop walks; the light is loveliest early and late. Storms are dramatic but the cliffs erode, so keep back from the edges.

Good to know

It is popular, so the clifftop paths and the town are busy on fine weekends. The cliffs erode and edges are unfenced, so keep well back. Low tide reveals more of the arches and rock pools below.

Nearby

Le Havre and the Normandy coast are nearby; the D-Day beaches lie to the west.

Key facts