Hike along the Alabaster Coast to Étretat

From our campsite in Le Tilleul, we set off in the morning towards the coast.

Today, a 15-kilometer hike was planned, leading us along the white chalk cliffs to Étretat and back to our starting point.

At the “Phare d'Antifer,” a lighthouse on the coast, we reached the water.

The predecessor of the lighthouse was destroyed by German troops in 1944, and the current structure was rebuilt in the 1950s.

We saw the first chalk cliffs of the steep coast, which glowed white in the light of the sun now peeking out from behind the clouds.

Due to the white color of the cliffs, the coast is also known as the “Alabaster Coast.”

Occasionally, valleys (valleuses) interrupt the steep coast.

At the first valley, we went down to the stony beach and looked at the cliffs from below.

After a tea break with a view of the sea, we began the ascent again.

On our way, we repeatedly went up and down as we had to overcome the valleys.

The closer we got to the famous resort of Étretat, the more people we encountered.

At the last viewpoints, there were particularly beautiful formations to see - although this was also where most visitors were found.

The path to Étretat went down again, as the town is located in a valley.

From the wide promenade, there is also a good view of the chalk cliffs.

Monet painted several of his pictures here, as indicated by information panels along the promenade with a “right here” marker.

We strolled a bit through the town, which largely consists of older houses that testify to the history of the seaside resort.

After a little refreshment, we walked along Rue Offenbach with its villas and palaces before making our way back.