There are few sensations more stimulating than being on a beach. Running your toes through the…read moresand, walking across broken shells, staring out at the water and dreaming about what lies on the other side of the horizon. Beaches sooth the soul, stimulate your neurons, and wash away the stresses of everyday life. Parisians are lucky to have the Normandy beaches just a 2.5hr drive from the city. And of all of the beaches that we've explored when we think of beach outing we thin of Trouville. The beach begins just behind the casino and stretches out far, far and away. On holiday weekends it's a bitter battle to find a spot anywhere close by, but who's going to give up and head home after driving 200km to be there?? There's a dead end street that runs parallel the main road with a diving school at the end. Take that street and turn around for as long as you have to to find a spot. There's an entrance there that leads right onto a part of the beach that's must more rustic and tranquil.

Come see what MONET saw and painted here (google it) and see the painting in the monet museum in…read moreparis. We rented a car and drove 4 hours east to the d day beaches to pay our respect and then drove one hour west (back toward paris) and spent the day in trouville sur mer. Its a quaint seaside french village. This body of water is the english channel. Now i understand why the germans wanted to control this area, they were only 80 miles across from england in the normandy area of france. We ate in a wonderful restaurant near the water and saw fishermen still in their gollashes bringing in the new catch and delivering it to the restaurants. The kids and I still talk about our side trip to this area of france.

The famous cliffs. Of course this will be mostly the main reason one comes to this town. And it was…read morethe reason for our visit as well. The north of France is lovely and has some great spots. This is one of these great spots. Just be prepared that you won't be the only one around when visiting. When we arrived - on a weekday during Covid-19 - it was packed. Like really really packed. No chance for a parking lot in town or even the big lot a bit outside of town. Parked it somewhere a bit uphill east of the town, just beside the street like many other french folks did (turned out well). The cliffs and rock formations are indeed impressive Choose to walk up the cliffs on the left or on the right of the town and its beach. The more interesting formations though are on the left, the western side I'd say. The stone beach is a nice place to have a quick rest and to get some really good views of the cliffs/formations. Swim, if you like and dare - because the water is cold, even in summer. There's a narrow path leading up to the cliffs and to the formations. Also to some bigger viewing platforms. It is very narrow and difficult at times. Not difficult because it's a really tough hike. Because it's not so bad, even our English Bulldog managed to walk the whole way up and down again. But it was so overflowing with visitors, that it was hard to pass by. Because some sections are so narrow that only one person fits. And now imagine folks going up AND going down...also the first section with the stairs are a bit difficult (and slippery). But it's worth it. Bring a bit of time, a bit of patience. We've seen moody and rushing visitors. Dont' be one of them. If you visit a place like this, take your time. LOOK at the place and enjoy it. But one selfie and a post on social media seems to be enough for many. Too bad, you're missing out. Once you made it to the top it gets easier. People are spreading out in the bigger and flatter area up there. Be sure to check out the different viewing spots and platforms. Careful if you're afraid of heights though and hold onto to your hats...it's windy at times. The views are very rewarding. The cliffs and the formations amazing. Worth the - even though short - walk up here. You could continue your walk on the coastline up here further east. But calculate your time well - especially if your car is still in town. All in all a great visit to Etretat. The town itself is the typical tourist fare. But the cliffs are worth several hours of drive. And: there are fascinating bunkers and war memorials around as well. Very interesting history lesson.

Spectacular views to be enjoyed. And the scope & detail continue to change depending on where you…read moreare on the beach from one end to the other as well as the height. You can choose to climb above the spirals where the views, as beautiful as they are, actually don't compare to the opposite's end on the cliff- that was my favorite view! When it's sunny, they appear as white but when the sun starts to set behind them they are dark & the detail again makes them seem to transform right before your eyes. The town too is an excellent example of Norman architecture. Very quaint. It's a resort town so it's pricier. If you are touring the region of Normandy while in France- defiantly make time for this beautiful seaside area.

From the owner: Curiosités Parc de 8 hectares avec une collections botaniques exotiques et de plein air.read more