Étretat, Coastal commune in Normandy, France
Description
Étretat is a commune in the arrondissement of Le Havre on the Seine-Maritime coast of Normandy, set between tall chalk cliffs. The settlement stretches along a pebble cove, surrounded by three named rock arches called Porte d'Aval, Porte d'Amont, and Manneporte, as well as the needle-shaped formation L'Aiguille.
History
In the 19th century, the construction of a railway line turned the small fishing harbor into a popular destination for Parisians and other visitors from northern France. The natural arches were carved by centuries of wind and waves working on the soft chalk layer.
Culture
This part of the Norman coast drew writers such as Maurice Leblanc, who set his Arsène Lupin stories here and owned a house in the area. Today, walkers visit the cliffs in all seasons, and some explore the caves at the base of the rock formations when the tide is low.
Practical
Several paths lead up to the clifftops and offer different viewpoints over the rock arches and the sea, though some sections are steep and uneven. During strong winds or rain, the paths can become slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Did you know?
The arches and the needle form natural frames through which sunrise and sunset can be seen, and their appearance changes with the tides and light. At low tide, flat rock platforms and smaller caves at the base of the cliffs become visible, which are otherwise underwater.
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The French coastline stretches over more than 3,100 miles and features a notable variety of beaches. From Brittany's granite coasts to Mediterranean coves, including wide Atlantic stretches and Corsican bays with clear waters, each coastal area has its own character. This selection takes you away...
Porte d'Aval
934 m
Aiguille d'Étretat
986 m
Maison Maurice Leblanc
81 m
Etretat Cliffs
854 m
Etretat Gardens
484 m
Château de Fréfossé
1.5 km
Église Notre-Dame d'Étretat
366 m
Manneporte
1.3 km
Château des Aygues
524 m
Monument à la mémoire de Nungesser et Coli
541 m
Porte d'Amont
848 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
530 m
Trou à l'Homme
857 mChambre des Demoiselles
876 m
Golf d'Étretat
1.1 km
Office de Tourisme d'Étretat
150 mHalle d'Étretat
263 mVilla La Guillette
672 m
Gare vélorail
725 m
Chemin des Douaniers
588 mOrgue de tribune de l'église Notre-Dame d'Étretat
366 mScenic viewpoint
847 mScenic viewpoint
543 mScenic viewpoint
1.3 kmScenic viewpoint
952 mScenic viewpoint
1.7 kmScenic viewpoint
735 mPorte d'Aval
908 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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