Overview

The Alabaster Coast, or the La Côte d’Albâtre, situated in the north hugging the English Channel, is an 80-mile-long stretch of gorgeous coastline that begins at Cap de la Heve and ends at the Bay of the Somme. All along the coast, you can appreciate the dramatic limestone white chalk cliffs sculpted by nature, as well as the charming settlements. The most well-known villages in the area are Dieppe, Fecamp and Étretat, where the views will absolutely blow you away. Each seaside resort offers a rich and varied heritage.

Things to see and do

The gorgeous coastline and dramatic limestone cliffs are the main attraction, but you'll find that the Alabaster coast is actually more than just the cliffs. Dotted with famous seaside resorts, pebble beaches, dry-hanging valleys cutting through the cliffs, charming villages where you can enjoy a stroll, intriguing historical sites (castles, churches and WWII bunkers), and fishing villages - its beauty has captivated visitors since the 19th century! It was also a place of inspiration for many Impressionist painters. The blue-green waters of the English Channel and these breathtaking landscapes indeed offer some spectacular views!

Essential places to visit include Dieppe, Étretat and Fécamp, all offering a rich heritage and culture. Also make sure to explore the Miromesnil Castle, the birthplace of Maupassant, and admire its beautiful architecture and park with century-old trees. Situated at the bottom of the valley, known as a “valleuse,” the village of Veules-les-Roses, classified among the most beautiful in France. You can also visit the André Gide house in Cuverville, an 18th-century manor house where the famous writer lived. Near Le Tréport, discover the seafront villas of Mers-les-Bains, so typical of the area with their vibrant colors, bow windows and beautiful balconies.

For the best clay cliff views, head to Cap Fagnet, near the town of Fécamp, you can drive or walk up to Cap Fagnet. The location is famous for its church, its WWII bunkers and for the impressive views. Another great area is the Etretat South Cliffs offering a great perspective of the famous pinnacles and main arch. Étretat North Cliffs are great, if you are up for a climb, there is a steep staircase from the promenade.

The Alabaster Coast is also an ideal place to enjoy various water sports. With options including stand up paddle, canoe-kayak and boat trips.

Beaches

The pebble beaches of the Alabaster Coast are perfect for a day of relaxation. You’ll find beaches that are hidden, family-friendly, challenging ones to get to, and more... Some of the largest beaches with facilities are listed below:

The beach at Le Havre offers a long sea coast, stretching over 1.4 miles offers a mixture of sand and pebbles. The promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants and shops. The many features on the beachfront include France’s largest open-air skate park, volleyball courts, boules fields, cycle lanes and a playground. This beach is ideal for sailing, kite-boarding and windsurfing.

Fécamp’s smooth-pebble beach stretches southward from the narrow channel connecting the port with the open sea. The beach offers rentals of catamarans, kayaks, paddle boats and windsurfers.

Saint-Jouin-de-Bruneval beach offers some of the most beautiful cliff views. In the summer months, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as water sports and even sand yachting at low tide. The beach also offers picnic tables to eat at the seafront.

Veulettes sur Mer’s beach offers one of the largest pebble beaches of the Caux plateau (the eastern part of the beach is in the town of Paluel) and one of the most popular due to its seawall promenade and its many lively restaurants and cafes in the summer months. There is also a water sports center and you can practice kite surfing.

Saint-Valery-en-Caux offers two beautiful beaches, one on either side of the port: the beach to the east of the port, called the Plage de Saint-Valery, is the main beach but both are close enough to the town to become busy in summer. The beaches are very clean and well-maintained, great for families with children.

Quiberville’s Beach is made up of sand and grey pebbles with several breakwaters, and offers a unique view of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. Just past the watersports center is the famous cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, which gives authenticity to this place. In the morning, fish and Norman oysters are being sold at the fishermen’s huts located on the beach’s promenade.

The big Dieppe Beach is located on the left bank of the harbor. Its wide beach extends across the cliffs of the Cote d'Albatre to the dam near the harbor, about 1 mile of pebbled beach. Bathing huts are available along the beach, and the promenade is filled with vendors.

The seaside resort of Criel sur Mer offers two beaches. Criel-Plage is the main one and has a lively waterfront in the summer. The second beach is located in Mesnil-Val, just a short walk north, where visitors will find a more peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. There are restaurants and beautiful villas along the cliffs here.

Cuisine

Normandy’s culinary heritage is one that’s well worth exploring, offering a wide range of fantastic ingredients produced in the region. Here you’ll find the freshest seafood (mussels and oysters in particular), robust duck and game dishes, and the region’s famous apples that are turned into a whole range of tasty treats from cider to tarts. The region is also known for its dairy products, like butter, milk, cream and cheese. Most restaurants in Normandy offer locally sourced products and try to support as many regional farmers as possible. Even the smallest village will offer memorable culinary treats for any serious foodie.

Active and Outdoors

If you’re looking for some action-packed fun in the great outdoors on the Alabaster Coast, you will love the diversity of this area. Exciting natural landscapes and dramatic coastal cliffs make for perfect adventure playgrounds, with amazing beaches, trails and islands and some fantastic watersports to enjoy.

The 80-miles of coast has always given the will to sail on the open sea. Sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, every water sport can be done here. The exigent water area is great for any experienced sportsmen and women as the novice ones, who will train with the watersports centers instructors.

From the seaside to the countryside, there is only one step. There are many hiking and cycling trails linked together. By foot, riding a bike, a mountain bike or even a horse from Le Havre to Le Tréport, the coastal paths and the coastal Véloroute (cycling trail) allow you to enjoy the smells, the colors and the traditions of two opposite natures that characterize the Alabaster Coast as a unique and beautiful place.