Le Havre or Honfleur to Étretat Round Trip: An Honest Look

So, you’re thinking of hitting up Étretat, are you? And you might be kicking things off from either Le Havre or Honfleur, too? It’s almost a very good move if you’re looking for a picture-perfect detour during your Normandy explorations. The chalk cliffs? Breathtaking, absolutely. Now, how do you actually get there and back? Well, that’s a different story. Let’s have a think about a round trip transfer to Étretat.

What To Expect From the Scenery En Route

That first question everyone asks; What do you see? It’s like you’re not just hopping between towns; you’re viewing some picture postcard stuff. We’re talking, you know, the countryside of Normandy. Imagine this; there’s all sorts, from these verdant meadows dotted to tiny villages that look like they haven’t quite caught up with this century. So, a lot of these routes that lead toward Étretat, well, they could be winding little roads, they almost are, that give you peeps at those farms that dot around here. They have cows! Real proper countryside. Honestly, in some respects, it might actually be the calm bit that you need before the somewhat spectacular coastline of Étretat rocks up.

The route coming from Le Havre goes along these more industrial areas for a spell before cutting across toward the coast. Honfleur, anyway, that direction might get you some views of the Seine estuary – there’s bridges, there’s boats, more or less, and you could catch the light in that real painterly sort of way that made Honfleur quite famous, in a way, with impressionist artists back in the day. Honestly, keep your camera ready; you never quite know when you are going to spot a picture worthy vista.

Options: How Can You Actually Get There?

Okay, you have some options. First off, car transfers? Almost certainly the easiest pick. There’s private services all ready that can pick you right up in either Le Havre or Honfleur and then just cart you straight over to Étretat. And that almost takes all the stress out because there’s someone else dealing with directions and parking – especially welcome once you get into Étretat itself, where space really could be at a premium.

Rental cars, anyway, could offer you all of this total freedom, and also some potential stress. The upside very much is; you could do detours, stop when you want, and ramble around at your speed. The downside that you probably already thought of, is more or less, that you are driving in an area maybe you don’t quite know that well, finding parking could take a bit, and fuel? It does add up. As I was saying, there is also the option, and you knew this was coming, to brave local buses. It is, you know, kinder to the wallet, perhaps. Just, do check out the timetables very very carefully. It might not really quite line up with what plans you might already have, and services? Often they’re somewhat limited on Sundays or public holidays.

Costs: Crunching The Numbers

So, what’s all of this costing? Transfers that are private? Well, that is, usually, the more spendy route. Do think about somewhere in the neighborhood of €100 to €200 for just one way, naturally; all depending. Factors? Where you start out and who you’re booking with? Rentals? Well, those car costs do vary. Watch out for rental rates daily and those extras that just kind of appear, things like insurance. Add on fuel on top. It’s easy to lose track.

You want the budget option? Buses it might be. I’d check local bus websites in the area, to just get up to speed. Tickets are cheaper, they definitely are, you know. So, very useful if you have enough time to plan for these, in some respects. Yet do remember to factor in the time. So, a bit on waiting or transfers? That does have its impact, that I already thought of. Always double check this before your visit. That way? Fewer nasty shocks.

What To Do When You Get to Étretat?

Right, you’re there now. Well, what now? Clearly the big hitters around here, that does tend to be those cliffs. So, walk up to places like Cap d’Antifer, there is a lighthouse if that’s what floats your boat, or hike just above Falaise d’Aval. So, that gives you those classic viewpoints that you find plastered all over those postcards. And remember the beach down below. Almost worth a lazy afternoon and perhaps, just maybe, some Instagram stuff as well.

Like your history, that is? Try wandering over to Le Clos Lupin, so, it’s a house that’s turned into a museum, almost themed around Maurice Leblanc’s character Arsène Lupin, as I was saying. And there is also Étretat Gardens, that is near that cliff top. So, expect an artistic garden, with a cool, well, vibe, a bit, and some quirky planting, definitely great views to be getting very snap happy with, you know? It might all sound clichéd. Though sometimes the obvious just so happens to also, literally, be very worth doing.

The Practical Stuff To Bear In Mind

Very important, what about those very real, real life issues to consider? In Etretat, especially in summer, well, that’s not a secret is it? The amount of people does soar. Get going, that way it is just maybe a bit calmer, very very earlier in the day. Parking might be an issue. Seriously. Aim for car parks slightly just away from that main drag, might mean just a bit walk-y, yet far less frustrating all round. Actually weather-wise, always double-check the forecast before committing, too? Because those coastal paths? They aren’t anywhere near so pleasant when there are horizontal rain squalls. Plus, tide times? Also important, arguably; some spots you’ll want to see actually disappear totally at high tide. Always a wise thought, honestly, anyway.