Yport Beach (Plage d'Yport)

Plage d'Yport is a charming 500-meter pebble beach nestled in a sheltered bay along Normandy's dramatic Côte d'Albâtre (Alabaster Coast), framed by spectacular white chalk cliffs formed over 100 million years ago. Often called the 'little sister of Étretat,' this authentic fishing village beach offers a quieter alternative to its famous neighbor while maintaining its traditional character with colorful fishing boats and classic beach cabins. The beach sits in a 'valleuse' — a unique geological valley carved through the cliffs — which provides natural protection from westerly winds. A remarkable karst spring emerges on the beach at low tide, where an underground river surfaces at 2,000 liters per second after draining rainwater from across the Pays de Caux region. The area attracted Impressionist painters including Eugène Boudin and literary figures like Guy de Maupassant in the 19th century. Free to access year-round, the beach is supervised by lifeguards in July and August with basic facilities available. Water shoes are recommended due to the pebble seabed, and visitors should note that swimming is easier at high tide while low tide reveals fascinating rock pools and the underground springs.