City of Etretat, France: attractions, photos, reviews of tourists

Etretat is a city in the French region of Upper Normandy. Every year this area is visited by a huge number of tourists who want to see historical sights and picturesque landscapes. If you decide to go on a trip to Normandy, then you will certainly enjoy Etretat, France (photos of the city you can see below). In this publication we have collected the most interesting information about the tourist town in Upper Normandy: history, sights, interesting facts, and routes.

Where does the name of the city come from?

The origin of the city's name is still unknown. Some researchers claim that its significance is connected with the "end of the road", others - with "sheer rocks". One of the most common versions is the Scandinavian origin of the name, which translates as "the setting sun". No one knows to the end whether this theory has anything in common with reality. However, this would be quite logical, because scientists recognized the influence of Scandinavian elements on the toponym, and there are also versions about its translation as a "village in the east." Many writers and artists indirectly confirm this theory with their works, for example, the book of Henry Bacon and the names of paintings by Claude Monet, in which there is a phrase "setting sun". However, most scientists are inclined to another version, according to which the toponym comes from the Scandinavian word "needle". This is due to the fact that the Normans first saw in this area - that is, with rocks. Thus, the city of Etretat (France) began to be called the altered word.

General information about the city

The city was considered one of the most popular health resorts in Europe at the end of the XVIII - beginning of the XIX centuries. During this period, from an ordinary village in which fishermen lived, it turned into a well-known seaside town. Etretat, France (photos of the city you can see below) are due to this confluence of circumstances with the picturesque coast of the English Channel, as well as sheer cliffs that the tourists liked.

To date, this place is the main thing that attracts to the High Normandy a large number of travelers. During the summer period, the flow of tourists does not stop, but in autumn it decreases noticeably.

The constant number of local residents in the town reaches only 1,5 thousand. The settlement itself occupies no more than 4 km². However, the area of Etretat is considered taking into account the golf course and the coast without buildings. In the city there are both relatively wide streets, and a large number of cozy streets. If you climb to a high plateau, you will be able to observe the cliffs on the shore and a beautiful view of the strait. On the hill there are ancient castles and mansions, in which the local elite live, as well as famous people and simply rich people from all over France.

Rocks in Etretat

Lovers of natural attractions are sure to like the rocks of Etretat (France), which are located on the coast of the English Channel. The level of their height is about eighty meters, and north, in the direction of Fekana, is already a little more - from one hundred to one hundred and twenty meters. White cliffs of Etretat (France) consist of chalk limestone with impregnations of silicon. Due to the impact of sea water, the latter is washed out, which is why cliffs appear. In addition, this factor also affects the polishing of silicon, which caused the formation of pebbles ashore. Also, the change in this area is affected by the fact that the chalk is washed away due to rainwater. Thus, it collapses, and so the rock falls.

Castle in the street of Offenbach

The town of Etretat (France), whose attractions are described in this article, is famous for its historical buildings. One of them is the castle Eyg, standing on the street, named after one of the famous composers of this country, who once lived in this city. The building was built in the second half of the XIX century according to the ideas of one of the local architects - Theodor Ushon. He arrived at the invitation of Ameder Boyer, better known as a man guarding the recipe for healing water (melissa). French Carmelite monks had long ago discovered her recipe, and the family of the lord was watching him get to the descendants. After the death of Boyer, his rich widow married one of the Polish princes - Józef Lubomirski, who served as chamberlain to the Russian emperor Nikolai the First. It was the nobleman who became the owner of the building and accepted in it many noble, influential figures and creative people of his time. If you previously book this service, then in the castle and now you can spend the night in the suite "Mary-Christina's Suite" or "Isabella Tower". The cost of such a pleasure is 200 euros. To date, the building is owned by the family of original owners, they organize a large number of excursions, as well as honorable guests from all over the world. At the same time, they constantly emphasize that the castle Eyg - it's not a hotel. The building of the historic mansion is open for tourists in summer (except for June, and also except for a couple of weeks in August) and the first month of autumn. At this time every day (except Tuesday) from two o'clock in the afternoon to six in the evening there are guided tours. In order to get inside, you must first register.

The Salamander's Mansion

If you need to stay in Etretat (France), the hotels here are diverse. And they are not always fabulously expensive. The most popular tourist destination is the Hotel des Falaises, next to which is the so-called "Salamander's Mansion". The history of this building is quite interesting. And today in the territory of construction also does not do without a hotel and a restaurant.

As early as 1912, the well-known architect Emil Moge started a new project. The building that was subsequently built included the territory of the establishment - the Marquis de Sevigne's grill-bar. "Salamander" the house became in a later period.

For the construction of the building, the architect was inspired by medieval French structures.

Not far from it there is a city casino, which is also a well-known landmark. The windows of the building overlook the coast of the strait.

Near these buildings in old houses nearby there is a large number of shops, bars and shops of souvenir traders, where you can buy traditional Norman food, household items and much more. Central in Etretat is considered to be pl. Maurice Guillard, on which there is a bus stop in the direction of the nearest railway stations.

City Hall and Old Market Building

The square of Maurice Guillaume, mentioned above, is in the center of Etretat, France. What to see in the area? Right on the square there is a city hall, in the building of which one of the main travel agencies in the district is also located. This district is a kind of administrative heart of Etretat. The center of the old part is considered to be the territory of the Marshal Fosh Square. On it is the historical value of the city - the wooden covered market of Etretat, in which today only souvenirs are sold. Near this landmark is an old hotel with a restaurant. Its name translates as "two Augustines", which is related to the names of the owner and the tenant, which were the same. This hotel was opened in the middle of the XIX century.

Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the city of Etretat (Normandy, France) on the dais is the local famous chapel of Notre Dame of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The original building was built by local residents on the same site in the middle of the 19th century. It was a common affair for the whole district, which labored, lifting the heaviest stones with their own hands. During the Second World War, the Germans destroyed the chapel, and for 8 years the site remained empty. Already in 1950 the temple was rebuilt again. Distinctive details of the chapel are elements in the form of stone dolphins, which decorate it from the outside. Not far from the church is the territory of the memorial to the lost pilots "White Bird".

Embankment and sea terraces

Steps along with the paths lead the tourist to the city's Etret seafront. There are beaches with large pebbles, seaweed, and regularly you can see the "work" of tides. The territory of the waterfront in Etretat is divided into several terraces, each of which has its own name. Along with the chapel described above, there is a terrace with the name of the famous artist in France - Eugene Budena. Then you can see another, named after Maurice Leblanc. And then - one more with the name of Impressionist Claude Monet. On the quay the last terrace is named after the realistic artist Gustav Ciurba.

The city also has a building in which Guy de Maupassant lived. The construction of the house dates back to 1833.

In addition, the territory of the embankment is known to the cultural association "Patrimé", which, along with other similar organizations, organizes various events for local people in Etretat, France. Rest is connected with swimming and folk festivals. For example, in the period when the festival of Norman Impressionists is held, the local dresses smartly and jump into the sea water from the pier.

Also on the waterfront, on one of the terraces, there is a house made of wood, in which is located etretskaya shipyard for the construction, repair and reconstruction of boats.

Temples of Etretat

As already clear from all described above, many historical buildings are located in the city of Etretat (France). Attractions of this region include also local temples, one of which is the main church of North Dam, located on the same street.

The building of the first church was built on this site as far back as the 12th century, and today a restored in the XIX century temple can be seen on this site. If you pass through the gate, you get to the old city cemetery, where soldiers are buried, who died during the landing of the Allies on Norman territory in the summer of 1944.

The square, which bears the name of one of the French bishops - Lemonni, is also known as a monument to other soldiers. They perished in the First World War. The monument contains an inscription dedicated to the soldiers.

Preserved in Etretat and Protestant temple, which was built in the late XIX century.

Other attractions

Not far from the temple is a building with the Arsen Lupine Museum, which was opened seventeen years ago. Previously, it was a house known for the fact that it was home to the famous French writer Maurice Leblanc. It was they who invented the character of Arsen Lupine, who acts in dozens of novelist detectives. In addition, in Etretat there is a building of a music concert hall, as well as a maritime center, an old station and many other sights.

So, how do you get to the city? We will discuss this in detail later.

How to get to the city?

The route on which you plan to go, you must first determine, because on the spot to ask, most likely not anyone. Small stations are often quite small.

So, you decided to go to the city of Etretat (France). You can get here from Paris in the following way. You need to go from the Saint-Lazare station (on the metro station of the same name).

Remember that trains of direct communication with Etreta do not exist since the 70s of last century. Therefore, you need to plan the trip in the following way: you take the train to the nearest village, and then go by bus or take a taxi.

Take the train tickets to the Saint-Lazare train station to the region you need - Upper Normandy. The city itself is located in the department of the Seine Maritime. You can go to two stations. The first option is the city of Havre, and the second is Breot-Bezvil. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices of any Paris station, as well as on the page of the French railway carriers, where the electronic ticket is paid with the help of a bank card, and then printed.

If you chose Le Havre, then from here to Etretat you can get a regular bus. Keolis Seine Maritime is the name of the carrier company. It is better to study the traffic schedule on the Internet in advance. You need the 24th route. This option is the most budgetary to come to the city of Etretat (France). The reviews say, however, that there is a need to prepare - the people will be very much. The last bus to Etretat is six o'clock in the evening. The journey takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes.

If you chose the station Breotte-Bezvil, then you will also need to go from here by bus to the city. There are two routes from this point. The first is the bus, which leaves on the evening of Friday, and the second - on Saturday morning. The traffic schedule corresponds to the seventeenth route. On average, it does not take you more than half an hour. The cost of the trip is also quite low.

In addition, from Breot-Bezvil you can get to Etretat if you take a taxi. This option is quite common. According to travelers' reviews, this method is the most convenient. You do not need to study the traffic schedule and worry about whether the bag will fit in your car, and also crowd next to other passengers. The time travel also takes about half an hour. The variant differs in that you will very quickly reach the city, however, and the cost of this pleasure will be much more expensive. If the price of a bus ticket is only a few euros, then a taxi costs about fifty euros. However, you decide - depending on the circumstances and the budget allocated for the trip.

Perhaps, as noted by tourists who have visited these places, you will have to wander in the Breit-Bezvil to find a taxi. You need to order a car from the station to Etretat by calling to the phone number indicated on the street signs. As a rule, it can be found on one side of the roadside sign. If there are several phone numbers there - this means the number of taxi drivers working in the vicinity of the station. When they are free, they can pick up passengers. Be prepared for the fact that taxi drivers can not speak English (like most Normans), so you have to specify the direction of the route in French. Also you can ask someone who knows both languages so that he explains to the driver where to go. Or you can order a car in advance. So you do not have to waste time at the station.

In order to leave Etreti on time, you also need to study the schedule of reverse traffic or order a car to catch a train to Paris.