Who would have thought that writing a post about Étretat could be this…demanding?

It is true that for the past 20 minutes I’ve been sitting in front of my computer trying to conjure up words – only to realized that I have reached my limit. The natural beauty of Étretat simply cannot be described (by this blogger anyway). You must go and see for yourself.
But before I call it quit, you may wonder, what is it in Étretat that makes it so……
Entrancing?
Well, first of all, there’s the beach.
where you must NOT remove a pebble!
Secondly, there are these white chalky cliffs. Two of the most famous being Falaise d’Amont
And Falaise d’Aval
(Oops, sorry about the photobomb)
So what’s so special about these cliffs?
Well, Claude Monet painted them.
Eugène Boudin painted them.
And so could you!
But if brush and easel is not your cup of tea, you may take a stroll on top of the cliffs.
where there is a chapel and a monument to explore
Or simply pause and snap a photo of the breathtaking view.
So this is Étretat – one of the most beautiful natural wonders in France.
After a somewhat disappointing morning in Fécamp, it is this view that saved our day!
Stunning place & photos!
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Thanks Cindy!
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It looks incredible!
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Thank you so much Abbey!
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Oh wow… beautiful. Well done!
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Thank you Chris!
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Amazing place! I suppose you need a car to go there, right?
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Hi Len, As a matter of fact, it is more accessible than you ‘d think :). it is reachable from paris by train and by bus. And by bus also from Le Havre. Here is the website for more information (http://www.etretat.net/office-de-tourisme-etretat/modules/content/content.php?page=bus&lang=en).
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Oh great! Thanks a lot for the information 🙂 The train also run through Rouen, do you think it’s worth to make a stopover there?
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I think so. The town/village is cute and it’s quite nice to walk the beach and hike the cliffs, you can go further if you have the time, but you won’t be bored.
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Len, I mistook your earlier message. Just realized that you meant if it is worth to make a stop at Rouen. My answer is ABSOLUTELY! You will love the Cathedral, and the bustling life there. The market is great and we have a delicious meal at a restaurant, which I will write about in my upcoming posts. It’s a great city.
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Wonderful!
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Beautiful place!
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I like your poetic introduction 😊 This place is very enchanting and mystical. It reminds me Cape Kidnappers a little bit.
Did you take pictures by yourself? They’re really good.
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Thank you Barbaria. Yes I take pictures myself. Cape Kidnappers looks stunning. I would like to visit there some day.
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I love this place (more accurately, your portrayal of this place)! The sheer sandy cliff face is mesmerising, so too the photobomb. My favourite of all is the one with the couple (may I presume that that is you and yours?), it is extremely evocative of the quiet life I’d like to lead… 🙂
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Thanks Jolene! The couple is just other fellow tourists. I love the atmosphere of that photo too.
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It’s good to know about other hidden gems in France. We used to live near to Durdle Door in Dorset, Uk which looks very similar.
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I see why you dithered in describing it. I think it is the one thing that always makes me stop in the tracks while writing too – when I see something that overwhelms the senses. I often think words cannot even begin to approximate the experience itself.
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Wonderful pictures!
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OMG I’m so glad you found some words or actually even just shared the pics – wonderful! …added to my “to go”!
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Breathtaking views! Great photo captures. 👌
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Thanks Amy!
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You may not have felt equipped to describe the beauty, but you definitely succeeded in showing us. I am now staring at the pictures trying to figure out how I can convince my husband to bring me to Étretat. 🙂
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Thank you Kristyn!
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Your photos have done the describing for you. Very entertaining and lovely to see.
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Thank you Anne. i truly hope so 🙂
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Beautiful place, but those cliffs are not for those who are afraid of heights like I am!
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Dear Eliza, the trails are well maintained. The tops are flat and pretty roomy. As long as you don’t purposefully stand next to the edge, you will be fine 🙂
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Looks like a magical place…yet another destination to add to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks Jonathan!
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Reminds me a little of the Cliffs of Moher.
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Étretat is definitely one of the best things about Normandy. So glad you got to go, although from the photos it looks like a rather overcast day! Still gorgeous, and the grey skies do add that “authentic” Normand touch to the photos. 🙂
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Looks immersive! I like looking down from the higher ground into the cliff.
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Another enchanting thing about Etretat is that the cliffs bookend that rocky beach. Add to that, after climbing up the falaise to the top, after drinking in that view, all you hear as you walk along is the silence. And it was crowded when we were there 3 weeks ago. (after a lovely morning in Fecamp). Best wishes.
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Well put. Thank you Maribeth for stopping by and leaving comment!
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