With its fabulous chalk cliffs, plunging dramatically into the sea, Étretat offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in France. A place of contemplation for artists, such as Matisse and even Monet, you can walk from the large pebble beach to the top of the cliffs and view the charming homes in the Belle Epoque style. Here's an opportunity to discover our favorite must-see spots when visiting the city.
Where to stay in Étretat
Behind the facade of an old Anglo-Norman building covered in ivy, Le Donjon - Domaine Saint Clair had fun naming its 25 rooms after famous people (Sarah Bernhardt , Gustave Flaubert, Claude Monet, etc.) Immersing its visitors in cleverly quaint decor with a beautiful fresco by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac adorning the dining room, this boutique hotel also includes a pool and a Themae spa where massages are given in the garden, al fresco. Including a gourmet restaurant run by chef Gabin Bouguet, inspired by the catch of the day and seasonal finds at the market, the menu is constantly reinventing itself.
The daughter of a Belgian Michelin-starred chef, Camille Gersdorff skillfully oversees Les Tilleuls, a charming guest house offering 5 cozy rooms that open to wisteria-covered balconies, each prettier than the next. Decorated with tasteful antique furniture, there is also a home cinema in the basement and a large wine cellar stocked with special vintages. In summer, the beach is only a few feet away for an invigorating swim in the sea. If the weather is harsher, there is still the possibility of reading a book in the living room, by the fireplace. The icing on the cake? The owner regularly organizes yoga retreats there (the top floor is only dedicated to this practice).
Where to eat in Étretat
Gold mirror, medallion chairs, Greco-Roman statue… The decor of the La Marie Antoinette restaurant is not lacking in panache. Comfortably seated on the terrace, guests feast on its delicious seafood platters (Normandy and Breton oysters, whelks, langoustines, blue lobster, caviar…). If you are in a bit of a hurry, there is still the possibility of a takeout fish & chips made in the classic tradition.
The Bel Ami
Housed in a beautiful half-timbered Norman house, Le Bel Ami is one of the best bets at dinner time in Étretat. A combination of a bistro, grocery store and wine bar, you can nibble on delicious appetizers accompanied by great, handpicked wines.
Where to have a drink in Étretat
Among the most charming hotels on the coast, Dormy House's cocktail lounge also faces the sea. Plunging into the iconic cliffs, visitors enjoy craft cocktails and well-sourced wines.
Located on the Perrey, this beach bistro is the place to meet for the people of France to have a drink at the end of the day. On the terrace, you can sip a glass of white wine or rosé in front of the sea.
Where to go shopping in Étretat
Asian inspired ceramics, vintage candlesticks, cane furniture… Avenue Georges V, Les Comptoirs d'Etretat is the dream shop to find decorative finds in Étretat
Located on the Place Charles de Gaulle, this grocery store is full of great local products. Led by owners Jeff and Clothilde, experts in calvados and ciders, this place offers the highest quality items, but also local delicacies like sardine rillettes, fish soup or mackerel.
What to do in Étretat
Perched on the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, Les Jardins d'Étretat is one of the most beautiful spots in Normandy with a view classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Labeled “remarkable garden”, visitors wander through its poetic green landscapes featuring contemporary art.
At low tide at the foot of the cliffs...in the rising sun on the downstream cliff... in the setting sun in the Antifer valley, or even in the footsteps of Maupassant ... Natterra offers an array of walks alongside an expert guide.
Invigorating...according to the purists, swimming is best before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
More on Vogue.fr
Translated by Constance Caiola
