Étretat Beach (Plage d'Étretat)

Étretat Beach is one of Normandy's most spectacular coastal destinations, a stunning pebble beach framed by dramatic white chalk cliffs rising up to 90 meters above the sea. The beach offers breathtaking views of the famous natural arches Porte d'Aval and Porte d'Amont, along with the iconic 70-meter needle-shaped rock formation L'Aiguille. For centuries this was a working fishing port, and you can still see the historic capstans used to haul boats along the Perrey boardwalk. The beach inspired legendary Impressionist painters including Claude Monet, who captured its ever-changing light in numerous works. Visitors can swim, rent kayaks and paddleboards from the Voiles et Galets club (Easter to November), or simply stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Important safety note: always check tide times before exploring, as visitors frequently get trapped between cliffs by the rising tide. The rounded pebbles are protected by law and cannot be collected, as they provide essential coastal defense against storms.