ETRETAT
This part of the Normandy coastline offers high white chalk cliffs along 130 km, but at Etretat natural erosion sculptured unique shapes such as gates and a needle. French impressionist painters, such as Claude Monet, have contributed to make it famous.
It's been a long time that the medieval harbour has disappeared and Etretat has been transformed into a pleasant beach-resort during the 19th century. The famous operettas composer Offenbach, had a nice villa in this resort and organized great parties, with a lot of music, dance, making the summer monts nights very animated for the fishermen's families.
The French author, Guy de Maupassant, appreciated Etretat a lot as well, its healthy seaside climate, swimming in the fresh waters of "La Manche" , French name of "the English Channel".
Walk across the charming resort to the pebbles beach, and to the top of the cliffs to admire the famous panoramic view. There is also a little train that takes people to the top if they can't walk.
There can be really a lot of visitors certain days as Etretat is so famous and so attractive,
so I will not accept tours of Etretat during the high season, or busy week-ends.
It's always better to go there in the morning !