What to do · Étretat
The Falaise d'Amont and the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 1 h
- Season
- All year; the afternoon light is the best
- Who it's for
- All ages; the climb is short and steep
- With a dog
- On a lead and away from the edge
The falaise d'Amont is the eastern cliff, the one on your right when you look at the sea from the promenade. It used to be called the falaise du Blanc-Trait because of how white the chalk is. At the top is the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the sailors' chapel, and from there you have the complete view of the other side: the Porte d'Aval, the Needle and the bay with the village below. It is the view to leave for the afternoon.
The climb
You set off from the east end of the seafront promenade, where the boats rest on the pebbles, and climb by steps and a steep path. In fifteen or twenty minutes you are at the top, next to the chapel. From there you can continue a while along the plateau, always on the marked path, and come down the same way. With stops, an hour round trip. Very close, down the slope, are the Jardins d'Étretat, which charge admission and have their own view over the bay.
To the east the GR 21 continues, which along the clifftops and the valleys running down to the sea leads towards Yport and Fécamp.
The rules
The same as on the other side: stay on the paths and at least 5 metres from the edge, which has no railings. Going down to the foot of the cliff and taking pebbles from the beach are forbidden.
Tips
- In the afternoon The sun sets behind the falaise d'Aval: the view from here is better from four o'clock and at sunset.
- With small children It is the shorter of the two climbs and the reward comes quickly. Up top, hold hands.
- Combine it with the gardens If you want to pay for a view, the Jardins d'Étretat are a couple of steps from the climb.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the falaise d'Amont?
Fifteen or twenty minutes from the promenade; an hour round trip with stops.
Can I go into the chapel?
The climb and the viewpoint are free to use; the chapel's opening hours are not published by the tourist office.
Which cliff can you see best from here?
The falaise d'Aval, with the Porte d'Aval and the Needle.
Is it free?
Yes.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
