Etretat, France, located along the picturesque Normandy coastline, is a quaint small commune in Northwest France with limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and panoramic vistas. From soaring cliffs to soft pebble beaches, Etretat is a stunning town that should not be missed. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone just seeking a tranquil escape, the cliffs at Etretat have something to offer. Read on to find out when the best time to visit Etretat. As we highlight activities of interest and share helpful tips for your trip to this natural beauty.
When is the best time to visit Etretat?
First things first, when is the best time to go? The best time to visit Etretat depends on your preferences and the kind of experiences you enjoy. Do you prefer warm, sunny weather or cooler, more temperate days? Late spring and early summer tend to be the best months for warmer, more pleasant weather, adequate sunshine, and the fewest rainy days.
Spring (April to June) is a wonderful time to explore Etretat, as nature breaks from its winter slumber with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Colourful flowers and other blossoms grace the Etretat cliffs. Also, the weather is superb for hiking, and the picturesque landscapes of rock bridges and formations along the coastline are ideal for photography and nature enthusiasts.
We would recommend going during the Spring if you can, we hired a car outside of Paris and spent 5 days in Etretat in June, and this was just the right time to avoid the larger crowds and enjoy the small town of Etretat.
July to August is peak season, and the weather is at its warmest. This gives you time to fully enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. Be prepared for bigger crowds, though, especially at iconic sites like the chalk cliffs at Etretat. If you do decide to go during peak season, a good tip is to plan your activities during early mornings or late afternoons, as you will miss the big crowds and be able to enjoy the fresh air, views, and fully appreciate the tranquility of the Normandy Cliffs.
For a cheap date night, we enjoyed just grabbing some food and a few drinks and heading down to the beach, sitting by the pebbles, and enjoying the sun kissing the horizon as it sets while having a few cheeky laughs.
Tips for a visit to Etretat Normandy:
Prior to heading off to Etretat, it’s better to do a bit of preparation to make the most of your visit and ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
Hire a car or campervan: Possibly more cost-effective when planning a trip through Normandy and staying in Etretat, as it hosts a large campground and caravan park suitable for couples and families only just walking distance to the town centre. Although we didn’t hire a campervan, we wish we had, as local accommodations such as hotels and Airbnbs seemed to fluctuate in price. Instead, we hired a car through QEEQ, which was a great deal and allowed us to drive between the towns for day trips and explore the beautiful countryside.
Book your France car hire with QEEQ
Dress in layers: Normandy weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s best to layer up. A light jacket or sweater is ideal even during the warmer months, especially if you plan to explore the cliffs or join a boat tour; it can get quite windy out there. Normandy is a region known for its unpredictable weather. So dress accordingly!
Bring comfortable footwear. Comfort is key, so wear comfortable footwear such as hiking shoes or a good pair of runners. Exploring the cliffs at Etretat is a moderate 4.2km hike graded by Alltrails. If you don’t have hiking boots, honestly, a good pair of grippy runners would be fine! We did see a few people brave it in sandals, but after all those stairs, I’m sure they wished they’d thought this through.
Check out what we packed on our trip through Normandy
Check the tides: Etretat has tides, and this dramatically alters the landscape. Time your visit well by checking tide times before visiting; low tide allows for the best beach excursions and magnificent views of the cliffs. We used this website to check for low tides before heading out and generally went in with groups when entering the cliff caves.
Explore beyond the cliffs at Etretat: While Etretat’s chalk cliffs are its main draw, there’s lots more to see in Normandy. Consider making a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking bays, stunning medieval architecture, and ever-changing tides.
How much time do you need in Etretat?
How long you should spend in Etretat, France, depends on your interests and the pace at which you prefer to travel. Short on time?
A day trip to Etretat is still worthwhile. If you only have a day to spend, pick a day when the sun is up and aim to spend your day wandering along the elephant trunk cliffs at Etretat to check out its three main rock formations: the L’Aiguille (Needle), the Porte d’Aval (Downstream Gate), and the Porte d’Amont (Upstream Gate). The Manneporte is the third and largest one and can’t be seen from the town. Etretat is an old fishing village, so make sure to grab a bowl of mussels or try some of the fish down by the beachside.
Book your Etretat accommodation here.
For a more relaxed travel experience, consider spending 2-3 days in Etretat. This gives you time for additional activities such as going on longer hikes, exploring more of the local cuisine, and joining a boat tour.
To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Etretat and its surroundings, consider an extended stay of 3-4 days in total. This gives you time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pristine coastline or esplanade, and for day trips to nearby attractions like Mont Saint-Michel.
Things to do in Etretat
Besides Etretat’s cliffs, the region of Normandy offers a range of activities that may interest you, especially if you’re a nature or outdoor enthusiast. Some of these include:
Etretat Beach, Normandy
Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. For a truly special moment grab a bottle of wine and some snacks and visit the beach just before sunset to watch it dip into the horizon. It was one of the best sunsets we had seen in a long time!
See the cliffs at Etretat
This is arguably one of the best cliff views you will see in Europe, loved by even the great Monet; you gotta see it for yourself! Hike to the top of the limestone cliffs via the guided paths and staircases on either side of the bay for panoramic views of the English Channel. Don’t miss the iconic arches like the previously mentioned L’Aiguille (Needle) and the Porte d’Aval. Enjoy the unique beauty of the cliffs and take it in from different angles.
Go on a Mont Saint-Michel Tour
Head off on a day trip to the world-renowned Mont Saint-Michel to explore its medieval, cobblestoned streets and magnificent fortress. Plus, the journey there itself offers charming views of the French countryside!
Get your entry ticket to Mont Saint-Michel Abbey here!
Day Trips to Normandy, France
Etretat and Mont Saint-Michel are not the only gems in Normandy – extend your visit to nearby attractions. Explore other notable historic sites like the D-Day landing beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry, Rouen, and other quaint towns with half-timbered houses such as Bayeux and Honfleur.
Sit amongst the gardens Claude Monet once visited
Les Jardins d’Etretat sits atop the hill of Etretat, once more providing phenomenal views of the coastline and cliff faces. Featuring seven themed gardens inspired by the surroundings of Normandy culture. For a small entry fee you can visit this garden once shared by the iconic Claude Monet. Who frequented it while working on a series of his paintings.
Hike along the coastline
There are lots of hiking opportunities for all levels. If you prefer a longer hike through towns we suggest this 14 km route from Alltrails called Pointe de la Courtine Etretat Roc Vaudieu, starting in Benouville and going in reverse to finish up on the cliffs of Etretat.
So, when is the best time to visit Etretat?
When visiting Etretat, think April to June or September to October for that sweet spot of weather without the sky-high prices. From the soaring Normandy cliffs at Etretat to the beaches along the seaside promenade, Etretat is without a doubt worth a visit. We hope that by reading this blog, you will be more informed and able to make the most of your visit to Etretat and create lasting memories of this picturesque corner of Normandy.
