Hiking tour – Alabaster coast

Day 1 – Arrival at ETRETAT

Etretat is an incredible spot of natural beauty with its magnificent beach encircled by cliffs. The only remaining evidence of this ancient fishing village is a few semi-detached brick and flint stone homes and, nearer the beach, three straw-covered boats called “caïques”, in which fishermen used to store their gear. Around the 19th century, the village underwent a transformation and became frequented more as a seaside resort known to painters and writers. The slopes are now covered by imposing Anglo-Norman style villas, surrounded by lush gardens. We suggest that you arrive early in the afternoon so to have time for a stroll along the cliffs of Aval and up to the Cap Antifer, passing also by the Aiguille Aval, the Porte Aval and the Manne Porte. Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel

Day 2 – ETRETAT – FECAMP (19 km)

At the edge of the beach you’ll find a staircase that will lead you to the summit of the Amont cliffs. From Notre Dame de la Garde chapel you will see Etretat. Following the coastal path you will pass through la Porte Amont, the Belval Needle, the valleuse du Curé (off limits to visitors because of the risk of land-slides) and the depths of Etigue where you gain access to the sea by a large staircase. From here the trail turns inland for a moment and brings you through a field to the village of Vattetot sur Mer, which gives way then to the valleuse de Vaucottes. The slopes of Vaucottes shelter sumptuous villas, which stand in testimony of its prestigious past. You will cross next through Yport, a pleasant seaside resort of lovely – and sometimes extravagant! – villas, to arrive in Fécamp. Fécamp is today a city of art and history but was once one of the largest cod-fishing ports in France. Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel

Day 3 – FECAMP – SASSETOT LE MAUCONDUIT (22 km)

Give yourself time before beginning your hike to visit the Musée des Terre Neuvas, the Trinity abbey, the Palais Bénédictine, and the distillery, famous for its liquor. When you are ready to leave, make your way towards Notre Dame du Salut by the tiny, upward sloping streets of the city. Take the trail which follows – at a respectable distance! – the cliffs’ edge. It will cross the village of Senneville, and bring you towards the sea through the Val d’Ausson and the valleuse d’Eletot. You will continue on the same path into Eletot and the small harbor of Saint Pierre en Port, where you might rest on its intimate familial beach. In 1850, the receding cliff line forced the residents of the village to dismantle the 13th century Saint Pierre church and to rebuild it further up the plateau! You will follow the cliffs to the valleuse des Grandes Dalles where you will find yourself in the midst of lovely 19th century villas, and nearby, a small pebble beach. You will then arrive at Sassetot le Mauconduit and the doorstep of a château. Go ahead and knock at the door. The Château is your home for the night! Dinner, lodging and breakfast in 3-star chateau-hotel

Day 4 – SASSETOT – SAINT VALERY EN CAUX (24 km)

To arrive at les Petites Dalles you will pass through a narrow, wooded valley with hillsides decorated by picturesque homes of sandstone and flint stone. On the beach the homes change in style to white wood cabins. You will leave the seaside behind for the moment and pass through the village of Saint Martin aux Buneaux. You will arrive at the seaside resort of Veulettes sur Mer and pick up your trek along the coast. You will pass through Conteville, skirt around the Le Paluel power-station, and follow the cliff-line to Saint Valéry en Caux, a fishing and yachting harbor whose beach becomes quite populated in summer. Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel

Day 5 – VEULES LES ROSES – VARENGEVILLE SUR MER (22 km)

Escort by taxi from Saint Valéry to Veules. You have found yourself at the source of one of the smallest rivers in France. Follow the Veules to the sea, admiring the lovely estates and old watermills on its banks. You will head across the countryside towards Sotteville sur Mer. You will soon again find yourself at the ocean’s shoreline, but only the most courageous among you will accept the challenge offered by the stairwell before you, which will lead you through the narrow valleuse of la Pointue to the cliff’s edge. The path then crosses the hamlets of Mesnil Gaillard, Epineville and Saussemare and brings you to Saint Aubin sur Mer. You will follow the promenade of this seaside resort and continue out of the village to Ramouville, where you will distance yourself from the sea only shortly, to find it again at Quiberville. In Quiberville you will walk along the dike and climb towards Sainte Marguerite sur Mer (gorgeous 12th century church) and then pass through the woods to arrive at the Ailly lighthouse. Transfer by taxi to Dieppe. Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel

Day 6 – VARENGEVILLE – DIEPPE (16 km)

Varengeville is a wooded seaside resort situated in several hamlets which are linked by hedged walking paths. You begin your morning at the ocean’s shore, arriving there by way of the valleuse de Vasterival. On the way, stop and visit the Parc Floral du Bois des Moustiers, where you’ll find a variety of plants arranged in a manner resembling an English garden. Go and see also Varengeville’s church and sailors’ cemetery, situated in a magnificent spot overlooking the ocean. To continue your hike, make your way down into the gorges of Le Petit Ailly. Continue towards Port de Moutiers and, crossing through the woods and hamlets, to the seaside resort of Pourville sur Mer, sitting at the mouth of the Scie river. You will climb along the cliffs of la Cote du Patis to discover Dieppe and the port from the esplanade of the castle. Lodging and breakfast in the same hotel

Day 7 – DIEPPE

Tour ends after breakfast