Old Market Square (Le Vieux Marché)

The politician who championed the market's construction, François Jeanne, was so unpopular due to the project's cost that he lost his seat in the following election. In a twist of irony, the town later honored him by naming the adjacent public garden "Jardin François Jeanne" - recognizing that his controversial vision became the beloved centerpiece of Étretat.

The building was constructed by the prestigious Compagnons du Tour de France, an elite guild of craftsmen with traditions dating back to medieval times. These master artisans still exist today and are recognized by UNESCO as bearers of intangible cultural heritage, making this market one of their 20th-century masterworks.

Before the market was built, this location was a problematic pond and drainage canal that caused frequent flooding in the town center during storms. The transformation from flood zone to architectural landmark took just two years (1926-1928) and completely changed the character of Étretat's main square.