The Normandy town of Etretat is famous for its magnificent cliffs. But did you know that Etretat is also home to some magnificent gardens?
In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your visit.
Introducing Les Jardins d’Etretat
Imagine for a moment a harmonious marriage between lush nature and refined art, all overlooking one of France’s most beautiful coastlines. Well, such a place does exist, and it’s called Les Jardins d’Etretat. It’s a veritable living work of art set on the cliffs of Etretat.
Landscaped gardens combine with contemporary sculptures to create a unique ambience that appeals to nature and art lovers alike.
The site was once the home of French actress Madame Thébault, who began developing the garden in 1903.
Today, the Jardins d’Etretat have been enriched by the vision of landscape designer Alexandre Grivko, who has transformed the space with a more modern touch.
Highlights of a visit to the Gardens of Etretat
- View of the Etretat cliffs
- The alliance between nature and contemporary art
- The route was punctuated by astonishing sculptures
- The soothing, meditative atmosphere you feel as you walk through the aisles
Disadvantages of a visit to Les Jardins d’Etretat
- The tour is short
- The price is high for this type of visit
What can you see at Les Jardins d’Etretat?
As you stroll along the paths, you’ll discover a multitude of intriguing sculptures. They seem in perfect harmony with the surrounding vegetation, adding an artistic dimension to this impressive landscape.
Don’t miss the Arch, a massive work of art standing proudly on the horizon, symbolizing the union between earth and sky.
What’s more, several themed gardens are spread throughout the park. You’ll love the Emotions Garden, a veritable labyrinth of greenery, or the Impressions Garden, inspired by Monet’s paintings and offering an exceptional panoramic view of the cliffs.
How much does it cost to enter Les Jardins d’Etretat?
Admission to the Jardins d’Etretat is:
- 12€ per adult
- 7.50 per child from 7 to 14 years old
- Free for children under 7.
Check out the current price on GetyourGuide.
How long does a visit to the Jardins d’Etretat last?
The gardens are not very large. The average visit lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. If you love strolling through the gardens, it could be a little longer.
Where are the Jardins d’Etretat located?
Les Jardins d’Etretat is located on the edge of the Etretat cliffs in Normandy.
The exact address is Avenue Damilaville, 76790 Étretat.
How to get to Les Jardins d’Etretat?
By car, take the A29 and follow signs for Etretat.
If you prefer public transport, take the train to Bréauté-Beuzeville station, then the line 24 bus to Etretat.
What are the opening hours of Les Jardins d’Etretat?
Les Jardins d’Etretat are open daily from 10a.m. to 6p.m.
My opinion after a quick visit to Les Jardins d’Etretat
I’d been to Etretat several times in my life, but only to walk around the famous cliffs. It was thanks to the web that I discovered the existence of the gardens. I visited them at the end of April.
At this time of year, the number of visitors was already higher than I expected. I imagine that in summer, the crowds can make for a stressful visit. In fact, the garden walkways are numerous, but rather narrow.
Garden maintenance is perfect. All the hedges were trimmed to perfection. It’s very pleasant to walk around and hear only the sounds of nature. The shade offered by the trees is a relief on a hot day.
The slightly distant view of the cliff arches is very beautiful. Remember to bring your camera to immortalize it.
We stayed less than an hour in the gardens. This short visit made the time/price ratio a little unfavorable.
If you don’t know it, I’d encourage you to visit the gardens at Etretat, but it’s not the kind of activity you’ll do ten times in your life.
What else can you do near Les Jardins d’Etretat?
After your visit to the gardens, you can see
- Downtown Etretat
- The famous cliffs of Etretat
- Etretat’s pebble beach
- The Fisheries Museum in Fécamp
- A boat trip around the cliffs
- Le Clos Lupin.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
