Holidays in Normandy Things to do and see in Seine-Maritime region ?

Must-see towns on the Alabaster Coast

Étretat and its cliffs

The nearly 100-million-year-old Étretat Arche and Needle (“l’Aiguille”) have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They dominate a panorama renowned for being one of the most spectacular in the world. But the town of Étretat is also a pretty seaside resort well worth spending a few hours in.

Here you can admire the beautiful villas, covered market and pebble beach. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out and shopping.

The panoramic staircase

Take a big breath! For you'll have to climb not less than 263 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the Aval cliffs, the Étretat Needle and the Arche.

On the cliffs south of Étretat

• The Manneporte cliff: sensational view of the Aval cliff and its Arche;
• Les Pisseuses de Valaine:these are water exsurgences that form waterfalls on the cliff wall (and yes, Pisseuses means... well, “the ladies who pee frequently”).
• The Courtine Point and the Panda Eye ("l'Oeil du Panda"): a geological curiosity offering a keyhole view of the Aval cliff.

The gardens of Étretat

The gardens of Étretat, with their blend of landscape art and contemporary sculptures, are an invitation to contemplation. They are located on the Amont cliff, a stone's throw from the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.

Le Clos Arsène Lupin

Étretat is also the setting for the adventures of Arsène Lupin, the gentleman burglar imagined by French novelist Maurice Leblanc. If you don't mind audio guides, we recommend a visit to the charming home of its creator. As you wander through the rooms, you'll discover the world of this iconic Alabaster Coast character.

Les Caloges

These are old boats cleverly converted into houses to save money. At the beginning of the last century, they were quite common on the coast, but now only a handful remain. 3 can still be seen in Étretat: one is home to the Cercle Nautique (located to the west of the beach), a second is occupied by "Les Caloges", a snack bar on the Perrey (seafront), and the third is a private gîte, "Le Bateau Caloge", on the road D940, at the entrance to Étretat.

The old diving board

This is a reminder that Étretat was already a popular seaside resort in 1850. This is a reconstruction of one of the 3 diving boards that were installed on the beach for the enjoyment of holidaymakers.

Dieppe Dieppe, a town of art and history

Situated 30 minutes from our seaside holiday homes, the town of Dieppe is the oldest seaside resort in France. It is also a very active port, and even the leading French fishing port for scallops. Scallops have become a specialty of the town. The best time to taste it is between October and April, when the fishing season for scallops is open.

Dieppe Castle

You probably won't miss the towers of Dieppe's imposing fortified castle.Watching over the town since the 15th century from its strategic position on the side of the Caude-Côte cliff, it offers a superb panoramic view of the town and its port.

It now houses the town's museum. Art lovers will be delighted by its gallery of Impressionist works (paintings by Renoir, Pissarro and Boudin, among others), but there are also collections of postcards and carved ivories.

The 19 August 1942 Memorial

The town was the scene of a tragedy during the Second World War. At dawn on 19 August 1942, 8,000 soldiers, including 5,000 Canadians and 1,000 British, landed on Dieppe and the surrounding beaches to breach the German army's line of defence. This was Operation Jubilee, ordered by Churchill. Unfortunately, the attackers were quickly detected and crushed by the enemy. The attack resulted in a massacre, with 1,200 killed and a further 2,000 forced to surrender to the Germans. But the Allies had not said their last word, and on 1 September 1942, they launched a new offensive. The 2nd Canadian Division, which had managed to withdraw during the first raid, was the first to enter Dieppe and liberate the town.

The memory of this episode and the sacrifice of these men is kept alive with emotion in the 19/08/1942 memorial, set up in the town's Italian-style theatre.

To complete your tribute, you can also visit the Vertus cemetery in Hautot-sur-Mer, where 944 Commonwealth servicemen are buried, including 707 Canadians.

Estran, city of the sea

This beautiful fishing and maritime museum> features an aquarium and 2 halls totalling 1600 m². It will amaze children and educate adults about the environmental challenges facing this industry.

The Dieppe market

"Dieppe fish, fish of choice" goes the saying. The Dieppe Saturday morning market was voted the most beautiful market in France in 2020. It stretches over nearly 1,5 miles (2 km), and you'll find there all the regional specialities that have made Normandy one of the world's most renowned gastronomic regions. Fish, shellfish, ultra-fresh early produce, salted meadow lamb, iconic charcuterie and beef, Isigny crème fraîche, fine butter, camembert (and other famous Normand cheeses: livarot, pont l'évêque, and neufchâtel), ciders, calvados and other liqueurs, pastries and sweets: you're bound to find what you're looking for!

The International Kite Festival

Every 2 years, almost 500,000 people come to admire the kites floating in the Dieppe sky during this colourful festival of international stature.

Fécamp your gastronomic stopover

Founded in the 11th century by the Dukes of Normandy, this major port became a major centre for cod fishing in the days of the Terre-Neuvas (That’s the name given to the brave fishermen who used to sail as far as Newfoundland, Canada – “Terre-Neuve” in French – throughout the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, to bring back cod and other cold seas fishes).

Today, it shares with Dieppe a specialisation in herring. In November, the town is transformed into a giant kitchen for the Herring Festival. Marinated, grilled or kipper, accompanied by the inevitable sailors' songs, herring is duly celebrated on this occasion.

But the town also boasts some very fine monuments, notably the Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity, adorned with a superb astronomical tidal clock dating from 1667, and its ducal palace (now in ruins). Not to mention the one that will no doubt be the most impressive for most of you: the Benedictine Palace!

The Benedictine Palace

Well, no, there's nothing religious about Benedictine, and it wasn't founded by a great conqueror of antiquity, but by... Alexandre Le Grand (Le Grand translates by "the Great" in French). Not the famous King of Macedonia, but Alexandre Prosper Hubert Legrand, known as Alexandre Le Grand, a merchant from Fécamp born on 6 June 1830.

With the help of a pharmacist, he concocted a digestive liquor based on a recipe found in an old book found in Fécamp Abbey. This potion, Bénédictine, is made from no fewer than 27 plants and spices.

It was a huge success, and Alexander Le Grand became very wealthy. He decided to create a building to house the stills, visitors wishing to discover the distillation process, and a fine collection of works of art.

He thought big, even huge... And he had a magnificent palace built, resembling a Renaissance castle, with fine ornamentation.

You'll be struck by the magnificence of the building, from the sculptures on the façade to the painted ceilings and the marvellous framework of the Gothic Hall. A visit not to be missed!

And if you feel like it, you can take part in a workshop to learn how to prepare a delicious Benedictine cocktail.

The fisheries museum

Discover the heroism of the Fécamp fishermen who left their families for up to 6 months to track down cod in the icy waters of Newfoundland. Housed in an old cod drying shed in the middle of Fécamp harbour, the Musée des Pêcheries (Fisheries Museum) tells the story of Fécamp's traditions and the close ties between the town and the sea.

Chocolaterie Hautot, the Extraordinary Journey of Chocolate

Chocolate lovers, your temple is here! As well as its deliciously salivating stalls, the Chocolaterie Hautot houses a chocolate museum where you can poke your knowledge of the "food of the gods".

On the menu: a fine collection of antique objects linked to the making of chocolate, activities, games and - of course - tastings of your favourite delicacy.

The boucane at Grand Quai

What Fécamp inhabitants call a "boucane" is a "saurisserie", the place where herrings were smoked in the Viking tradition.

In 1996, the town's last boucane went out of business for good. However, the French regional authority, the Département de la Seine-Maritime, has bought the boucane on the Grand Quai, and is now opening it to the public. Look up: yes, this smokehouse has 13 chimneys! (But they don't bring bad luck). Inside, you'll discover the equipment used to produce herring without being bothered by the fumes.

Yvetot capital of the Land of Caux

Finally, it's impossible to end this section without mentioning Yvetot, the capital of the Land of Caux. Even if this town doesn't usually feature at the top of the region's tourist rankings, it still has some nice surprises in store for visitors.

Saint-Pierre Church

This is the only church in France with a circular floor plan. Built after the Second World War, Église Saint-Pierre is also the church with the largest glass roof in Europe.

The spectacular stained glass windows, designed by the French great master of stained glass, Max Ingrand, radiate the building with their shimmering colours. And to find out more about this extraordinary monument, you can borrow free audio guides from the Tourist Office.

The Ivories Museum

Continue your exploration at the Ivories Museum in Yvetot, which boasts a vast collection of ivory sculptures that will take you on a journey to different parts of Europe and Asia. The oldest pieces will even take you back to the 16th century.

The Fay and Catel Manors, 2 examples of "clos-masures"

Nearby, you can also visit Manoir du Fay and Manoir du Catel, two manor houses open to the public that illustrate a typical building layout in the Land of Caux: the "clos-masures".
Clos-masures are large plots of land combining farm and residential buildings, vegetable gardens, meadows and orchards. The whole is bordered by a bank planted with one or two rows of tall trees.

The Yvetot market

Finally, the Yvetot market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, was voted the 7th most beautiful market in France in 2023. Dairy products and legendary local cheeses, charcuterie and meats, fish, fruit and vegetables, ciders and other delicacies from the Land of Caux: don't forget your biggest baskets.

10 most beautiful villages in the Land of Caux, around our holiday homes

Veules-les-Roses where the "Villa Valentine" is located

This village is one of the "Most beautiful villages in France"®. As you stroll through its lively streets and discreet alleyways, you'll see that this privilege is fully deserved.

Veules-les-Roses sublimates the charms of the Alabaster Coast. Majestic cliffs, beach, timber-framed houses or beautiful villas from the 1900s, thatched cottages, mills, flowers, flowers and flowers, and even the Champs Élysées... There's no shortage of things to see and do in our region. It's also home to France's smallest river (just 0,7 miles or 1149 meters long)!

Don't forget to visit its venerable church, with its astonishing pillars and numerous sculptures, or to sample its watercress and oysters, called "veulaises".

Is this where you want to stay? Well, we've got the Villa Valentine for you, a beautiful house to rent for a weekend or a holiday in Normandy.

Varengeville-sur-Mer

This beautiful village is the setting for Manoir d'Ango, a magnificent Renaissance manor house (16th century) which you can visit to admire its splendid circular dovecote, typical from the Land of Caux. French king François I, French authors Louis Aragon and André Breton have all stayed at this remarkable castle. The latter even wrote there "Nadja", a famous French novel.

Just next door, a festival of colours awaits visitors to the Shamrock Garden. This garden contains nothing less than the largest collection of hydrangeas in the world (1,500 varieties).

Finally, Varengeville-sur-Mer is also proud of its proximity to the Gorge des Moutiers. This pretty "valleuse" (French word to name an opening in a cliff) offers a lovely walk. At low tide, from the beach below, there is a fine view of the village's famous church, Saint Valéry. Famous because it is surrounded by a marine cemetery where several illustrious figures are buried, including the painter Georges Braque.

And all these marvels are just 7.5 miles (12 km) from our holiday rentals in Le Bourg-Dun (and 11 miles – 18 km from our Villa Valentine to rent in Veules-les-roses).

Saint-Valery-en-Caux

This pleasant fishing port has several assets to attract tourists: its pebble beach, its casino, its marina and a beautiful, well-preserved medieval residence (the house known as Henri IV's), to name the most obvious.

Even if you're not particularly fond of modern architecture, don't hesitate to push open the door of the Notre Dame du Bon Port church: you'll be greeted by the astonishing blue-green light of its stained glass windows, which evoke the depths of the sea...

Luneray

This village has prospered thanks to its linen weaving, and particularly the "siamoise", a fabric unique to the region. It also boasts a Protestant church, listed as a Historic Monument. The "sentes à paniers" (basket paths), which were once used to transport skeins of linen and wool, provide a fun way to wander through the village.

Longueil

This charming village on the banks of the Saâne is, admittedly, a bit of a mess. A few elegant houses scattered about, a venerable church, and at its heart, a marsh! Yes, a marsh that's calm, fresh and rejuvenating. Damselflies, frogs, water mint and marsh iris are all to be found here. Let them charm you along the educational trail, complete with educational panels.

Ermenouville

Another village spoiled by a beautiful castle! Château du Mesnil-Geoffroy is an elegant building dating from the 17th century. It houses the largest private rose garden in Normandy, with 2,000 varieties of old roses. It was visited by French writer Victor Hugo and Saint-Exupéry ("The Little Prince" author) wrote a few pages of "Vol de Nuit" (Night fligh)"here.

Longueville-sur-Scie

A village of character with a ruined feudal castle, the work of Gauthier Giffard, companion of William the Conqueror. You'll also discover a few timber-framed houses (the oldest, a brick and flint house known as the "Maison d'Henri IV" - another one! -dates from the 15th-16th centuries).

Longueville-sur-Scie is the setting for the "Médiévales", a show featuring sword-fighting, fire-eating, acrobatic horsemanship and falconry demonstrations held within the castle walls and ending with a fireworks display.

Les Grandes Dalles and les Petites Dalles

These two hamlets are part of the commune of Sassetot-le-Mauconduit. Both have pretty beaches. Les Petites Dalles, however, stands out for its beautiful villas dating back to the late 19th century, scattered in its green setting.

In 1875, Her Majesty Elisabeth of Wittelsbach, aka 'Sissi', the famous Empress of Austria, visited the resort. She bathed at Les Petites Dalles and stayed in the elegant 18th-century castle of Sassetot. You too can experience the imperial joy of dining there, as this monument has now become a tourist resort.

Sotteville-sur-Mer

This coastal village less than 4 miles (6 km) from our holiday rentals in Le Bourg-Dun is distinguished by its "valleuse", an opening in the cliffs giving access to the sea. It features a 231-step staircase built at the end of the 19th century to enable fishermen to reach their boats.

Located less than 10 minutes from our holiday homes in Le Bourg-Dun, it's a great place to warm up before tackling the cliffs!

Yport

This pretty port is nestled in a "valleuse". In the 1920s, Yport attracted many artists, including French authors Maupassant, Gide, and painters such as Laurens and Boudin. You'll love the cosy Belle Epoque villas with their large picture windows, and the colourful rowing boats dotting the beach. Don't hesitate to climb up to the Chicard Cape for a marvellous view of the whole area.

3 Most beautiful panoramas of the Alabaster Coast

The “valleuses”, the breaches in the cliffs that provide access to the sea, often offer splendid panoramas. Some of them are home to beautiful coastal villages and towns that have grown up over time. But be aware that some of them have to be earned, and you may have to brave some daunting climbs or stairs to take in the views. Here are three of the most beautiful sites on the Alabaster Coast between Fécamp and Dieppe:

Cap Fagnet in Fécamp

At 105 metres above sea level, this is the highest point on the Alabaster Coast. The panorama stretches from Fécamp, with its harbour in the foreground, to Étretat.

The "Valleuse" in Senneville-sur-Fécamp

Take the stone staircase up to get to a beautiful beach offering stunning views of the Alabaster Coast and Cap Fagnet.

Cap d'Ailly at Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer

On this stretch of cliff, layers of clay trap the water, creating a unique environment in which trees thrive.

Put on your hiking boots for this magical loop starting from the beach at Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer, which will take you through refreshing woods populated by a wealth of wildlife. Along the way, you'll come across a bunker balanced on the sand, a beautiful panorama of Quiberville and the Cap d'Ailly lighthouse. If you feel like it, you can continue to the Vasterival "valleuse".

And if you love flowers, make the most of your visit to Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer to discover the Vasterival Garden. 10,000 species thrive in this exceptional 12-hectare garden, created by Princess Greta Sturdza. Its reputation has spread around the world.

3 Great pages of European history in the Land of Caux

As you drive along the roads of the Pays de Caux, you'll come across countless reminders of the region's rich history. Castles, bunkers and many other buildings remind us that important pages in French history were written here.

Rather than list the many châteaux and manor houses that dot the landscape, we've chosen to mention a few sites that all too often fly under the tourist radar, despite their originality or historical importance.

The V1 launch site at Val d'Ygot, Ardouval

The V1s were the flying bombs that the Germans dropped en masse on London from June 1944 to demoralise the population. Later, V1 have also been dropped on Antwerp.

In fact, these ancestors of missiles caused only limited damage to the areas affected. However, many concentration camp inmates forced to produce them died because of the appalling conditions to which they were exposed. The V1s also killed many Allied pilots tasked with destroying them.

Fortunately, the Val d'Ygot launch base was bombed before it could launch a single V1. But some of its infrastructure was relatively unscathed, including the launch pad (a model V1 is positioned there, so you can see what this missile looks like). The tour will take you through the inner workings of this amazing rocket.

Make the most of your visit to discover the beautiful Eawy forest. This former oak grove was transformed into a beech grove in the 19th century and boasts a few remarkable trees.

To the north-east of the village of Saint-Saëns, you'll find a curiosity: the “puits merveilleux” (the marvellous well). This is a circular hole giving access to an hourglass-shaped abyss that no one knows whether it is natural or man-made.

Mémoire d'Albâtre in Paluel at Le Pont Rouge

A historical, biological and panoramic educational trail!

You'll be able to brush up on your knowledge of the Second World War through a series of panels describing various aspects of that era, visit several bunkers and discover the specific fauna and flora of the cliffs. Will you meet the cute pantaloon bee that frequents the area?

Along the way, you'll enjoy a pleasant panoramic view over Veulettes-sur-Mer and the Duredent valley..

The fortress of Arques-la-Bataille

Arques-la-Bataille is a beautiful village dominated by the ruins of an imposing 12th-century castle that withstood the assaults of William the Conqueror and Charles the Bold. French kings François I, Henri IV and even Joan of Arc stayed here!

The castle, which is currently being restored, is not open to visitors. But a walk on the heights of the rocky spur on which it is built will give you a superb panoramic view of the valley, the many ponds, the meandering Béthune and Varenne rivers, and their meeting point which forms the Arques.

The village church is adorned with a rood screen, which is quite exceptional.

On the way via road D154, be sure to take a look at the old Torcy-le-Grand town hall. Perched on stilts, this elegant brick and stone building also has a double staircase, just like a miniature castle. Surprise guaranteed!

7 ideas for fun family outings in Seine-Maritime

Looking for fun family activities and days out in Normandy? There are, of course, the great beaches, fishing and water sports, but the Seine-Maritime region also offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions perfect for a day out with the kids. And there's something for everyone. So get ready to create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones in one of France's most beautiful regions.

A jeep ride

Did you know that we propose our holiday home guests jeep tours for all the family from our rental homes in Veules-Les-Roses and Le Bourg-Dun? We can suggest itineraries for you to discover the region, starting from your holiday villa. Discover the region in a fun and nostalgic way, with your hair blowing in the wind! Don't hesitate to ask us about it.

Canadian Park "Bison Dreams" in Muchedent

Just 35 minutes from our family holiday homes, you'll find the largest Canadian bison farm of Europe It offers guided tours of the herd in military 4x4 vehicles. You can also see deer and wolves.

After all that excitement, the little cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy a meal in a teepee in the Indian village.

The sportiers can hire a canoe or kayak and paddle down the Varenne river (duration: around an hour), before returning to the starting point by bike (around 20 minutes.).

La Ferme de la Saâne educational farm

In Saint-Denis-d'Aclon, close to our gîtes, the Ferme (farm) de la Saâne invites you to visit the farm and its many domestic animals, including the local equine star: the Percheron, one of the best-known French draught horses. You can get to know this gentle giant better on a horse-drawn carriage ride. The whole family will love it!

The Chêne d'Allouville and the Class of the 50s

This oak erected in the middle of the village of Allouville is the oldest oak tree in Europe. It's said to be 1,200 years old, so it could have known the Emperor of the Carolingian Empire Charlemagne! To add to the fascination it inspires, 2 tiny chapels have been built into its trunk. You'll easily convince your children that it was once the lair of a harry-potterish sorcerer!

Still in Allouville, the “Classe des années 50” (Class of the 50s) offers a nostalgic tour of a 1950s French classroom. Discover the grey smocks, inkwells, the smell of old books and brightly coloured themed maps of France: there's nothing missing to describe the atmosphere of schools in those days.

A trip out to sea on an old sailing ship in Fécamp

Put on your sailor striped sweater and head for Fécamp: that's where you'll embark for a sailing trip on the MilPat, a former scampi fishing boat from the Breton fishing harbour of Guilvinec, restored and run by the Fécamp association AFDAM (bookings at the Tourist Office). On the programme, discover the sea cliffs with your hair blowing in the wind. Heave-ho!

Karlostachys jungle garden Private botanical park in Eu

Located in Eu, a commune near Le Tréport, this botanical park boasts an incredible collection of exotic plants. With ginger lilies, passionflowers and fuchsias, it's a sensory delight for young and old alike. Gunneras, bamboos and sequoias will complete the show with their exceptional proportions.
In short, a real jungle, but without scorpions or terrifying insects.

The Venetian glassworks at Blangy-sur-Bresle

If you're prepared to travel a few kilometres, head to Blangy-sur-Bresle to discover Verre d'Art de la Bresle.
This art glassworks in the Bresle Valley applies the methods of the Murano glassblowers, under the guidance of master glassmaker Luigi Dei Rossi, himself the son of a Venetian glassmaker. The whole family is guaranteed to be amazed!

We are passionate about the Alabaster Coast, and will be delighted to help you make the most of its riches and marvellous landscapes during your stay in our charming and seaside holiday homes.