On our third day of roaming the Atlantic coast, we travelled to the historic Étretat, famed for its spectacular cliffs. The first part of the day was spent in the Gardens of Étretat but due to licencing fees we did not take any pictures that can be used officially. The DOXA SUB200T Aquamarine and the SUB300 Professional kept our wrists colourful.
Étretat is a famed coastal town in Normandy, celebrated for its dramatic chalk cliffs and rich cultural history. Its historical development spans from legendary origins to medieval times, flourishing through the 19th and 20th centuries as a center for tourism and the arts.
Early and Medieval History
Legend suggests Étretat was founded after a Viking incursion, with stories recounting Norsemen arriving by longship and local features like the “Fontaine Olive” recalling ancient roots. Archaeological finds dating to the Merovingian era (5th–8th century) indicate early settlement, with remains such as swords and grave goods underscoring its antiquity. The town fell under the rule of the Dukes of Normandy in the 10th century and later the Abbey of Fécamp, who oversaw local development, built hermitages, and fostered its small port.
Fishing Village to Seaside Resort
Throughout the Middle Ages and into the early modern period, Étretat remained a modest fishing village. Its fortunes briefly shifted as various rulers, from Francis I to Napoleon I, contemplated military projects for the port, none of which materialized. During the 18th century, Étretat became renowned for its oyster beds, supplying royal tables as far as Versailles.
In the early 19th century, fishing declined due to the collapse of local boat fleets. Attention turned to the village’s spectacular natural setting, attracting artists like Eugène Isabey and romantic painters who portrayed its storms, shipwrecks, and grand arches.
Rise of Tourism and the Arts
The real transformation came in the mid-19th century as Étretat became a fashionable seaside resort. Alphonse Karr’s 1836 novel made it famous among Parisian society, and improved infrastructure, roads, omnibus service, and, by 1895, a railway, brought waves of visitors. Villas sprang up, a casino opened in 1852, and the town hosted Parisian opera stars and artists. Famed painters including Monet, Courbet, and Boudin immortalized its cliffs and pebble beaches, cementing Étretat’s reputation as a cultural hub.
World Wars and Modern Era
During World War I, Étretat served as a vital hospital base for British and later American forces, a legacy honored in local cemeteries. In World War II, its strategic coastline led the German occupiers to destroy many buildings and fortify the area as part of the Atlantic Wall. The town was liberated in 1944 by Allied forces. Postwar reconstruction replaced the waterfront with modern structures, but Étretat quickly reestablished itself as a tourist favorite.
Contemporary Étretat
Today, Étretat is celebrated for its unique cliff formations, pebble beaches, and its association with both visual arts and literature, author Maurice Leblanc set several Arsène Lupin stories here. Its scenic charm, proximity to Paris, and enduring cultural allure continue to draw visitors year-round.
I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t had the choice for more beaches to visit due to the difficult relief but we were amazed by the dramatic cliffs and scenery. As you got used to by now, the SUB300 Professional on my wrist and the SUB200T Aquamarine on Diana’s wrist were a colourful companion and we enjoyed again taking pictures with them. Tomorrow, our journey will bring us back to Thionville, the start and the end of our vacation.
