You are on vacation Normandy but you don't know how to visit the Cliffs of Etretat?

Indeed, these cliffs represent an essential site of Normandy in France. They are known for their stunning views, dramatic arches and white chalk cliffs and attract visitors from all over the world.

So, it is important to do your research before leaving to find out how to visit the cliffs of Etretat in the best conditions given the crowds in summer and the size of the site.

So maybe I can help you plan the perfect trip to the cliffs of Etretat by sharing with you my walking tour. From the history of the cliffs to finding the best places to visit and photograph the cliffs of Etretat, this guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

How were the Cliffs formed?

Millions of years ago, layers of chalk were deposited on the sea floor. Over time, these layers were compacted and cemented together, creating white cliffs that were extremely resistant to weathering.

The cliffs of Etretat were then sculpted by erosion, which occurs when water, sand and rocks are worn away by wind, waves and other natural forces.

Why are the Cliffs of Etretat so famous?

The cliffs of Etretat, which are around 100 million years old, are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.

They are known all over the world because they have been a source of inspiration for many painters and writers. The best known are Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin or Gustave Courbet. We can also mention the 19th century French writer Guy de Maupassant, who wrote short stories and novels such as the famous “Une vie”.

See my one week circuit for visit Normandy in the footsteps of impressionist painters.

Where to park to visit the cliffs of Etretat?

If you come by car, you will have the choice between several car parks. But as in summer, there are many people in Etretat, I recommend that you arrive very early in the morning to have a place in a car park near the city center: Etretat center car parks

If the car parks in the center are full, you can park in a car park which is a little out of the way but which remains a good option for visiting the cliffs of Etretat: Valaine car park.

How long to visit the cliffs of Etretat?

To properly visit the cliffs of Etretat, you must spend at least 5 hours there. But it all depends on the people there, the time you will take to park and your pace of visits.

However, if you have the whole day, it will only be better! So you will have time to discover the village of Etretat and eat in a good little restaurant.

How to climb to the top of the cliffs of Etretat?

From Etretat beach, you can climb the stairs to the top of the Aval cliff which is the most visited cliff of Etretat.

But if you want to climb to the top of a cliff of Etretat by car, you will have to choose the upstream cliff which is a little further north. Indeed, by taking Avenue Damilaville, you will arrive at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Guard on top.

Which cliff to visit in Etretat?

Which cliff to visit between the Courtine, Manneporte, Porte d'Aval, Falaise d'Amont, the Roc Vaudieu or the Aiguille de Belval?

The two most visited cliffs overlooking the sea are the Aval cliff and the Amont cliff. 

La Aval cliff can only be visited on foot, whereas you can go on the upstream cliff on foot or by car. 

If you don't have much time and you have to choose a single cliff to visit, I absolutely advise you to climb the Aval cliff also called Downstream Gate.

In fact, it is the most famous cliff because it was painted by great French impressionist painters, notably Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet.

To visit the cliff of Aval, you cannot go there by car. You can walk up there by taking the stairs to the left of Etretat's main beach. As you walk along the trail at the edge of the cliff, the views are amazing.

How to visit the cliffs of Etretat?

To visit the cliffs of Etretat, I recommend a tourist circuit on foot which allows you to discover the most beautiful cliffs and the best viewpoints: Falaise d'Aval, the Aiguille Creuse, the Chambre des demoiselles, the Falaise de la Manneporte, the Pointe de la Courtine, the Eye of the Panda, the Pertuiser.

Circuit map on foot to visit the cliffs of Etretat

Walking tour to visit the cliffs of Etretat

My circuit to visit the cliffs of Etretat on foot starts from Etretat beach, by the stairs to the left of the beach following the path that runs along the coast. You will finally arrive at Tilleul beach.

This circuit represents approximately 1h20 of walking that you will have to do in return to return, so count in total approximately 3 hours.

Itinerary to visit the cliffs of Etretat

Once you have climbed the stairs to the left of Etretat beach, you will have a first view of the Aiguille d'Etretat which really deserves the photo!

You will then have to follow the hiking trail marked in yellow.

Then, you will follow the golf course on your left, take dirt roads crossing fields and enjoy splendid views of the beach and the winding coast drawn by the cliffs.

You will pass in particular by the Manneporte, the Pointe de la Courtine, the Eye of the Panda and the Pertuiser.

It is a short hike accessible to all but must be done with caution, especially on the edges of the cliff.

Here are all the details of this walking tour on: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-falaises-d-etretat/

Customs path along the cliffs of Etretat

Here is another way to discover the cliffs of Etretat: By taking the panoramic staircase and following part of the customs path.

This staircase is located behind the Roches Blanches hotel and leads to the Amont cliff with its Notre Dame de la Garde chapel and the Nungesser and Coli monument at its summit.

Note that it is on the coastal path that you will have the most beautiful views of the town of Etretat and the arches of the Aval cliff.

Best hotel in Etretat

If you are looking for a hotel restaurant with one of the best viewpoints to admire the cliffs of Etretat, I recommend the hotel Dormy House. 

On the side of the cliff on the Porte d'Aval, the Dormy House hotel overlooks the village, the beach, the sea and the Falaise d'Amont!

From the hotel you have easy access to the paths that lead to the top of the cliff, to the beach (a 5 minute walk) or to the village which is only a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

In addition, there is a small accessible hike just behind Dormy House which leads to magnificent viewpoints to admire the Porte d'Aval and the Aiguille d'Etretat. 

If you are looking for another hotel with a spectacular view of the iconic Hollow Needle, I recommend a Bed & Breakfast with a garden and a nice terrace. Its location is also ideal for visiting Etretat.