How do I get from Paris to Étretat?

There's no direct train to Étretat. Take a train from Paris-Saint-Lazare to Le Havre (about 2 hours), then a Nomad regional bus (line 24) to Étretat (about 40–45 minutes). You can also drive via the A13/A29 in about 2 hours, or join a guided coach tour.

How far is Étretat from Paris?

Étretat is about 210 km northwest of Paris, roughly a 2-hour drive or about 2h30 door to door by train and bus.

Is Étretat doable as a day trip from Paris?

Yes, though it makes for a longer day than Rouen or Giverny. Leave early in the morning and plan your return transport in advance, especially in summer.

Paris to Étretat — How to Get to the Alabaster Coast Cliffs

By the Armada Rouen Guide editorial team · Updated July 2026

Étretat's dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches are among the most photographed spots in France — and one of the most popular Normandy day trips from Paris. It's a longer journey than Rouen or Giverny (around 210 km), but very doable in a full day.

This guide covers the train-plus-bus combination via Le Havre, driving the A13, and joining a guided coach tour — with realistic timings and prices.

Dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arch at Étretat on the Alabaster Coast

Quick comparison: your options from Paris

Option	Time (one way)	Cost (one way, per person)	Best for
🚆 Train + bus (via Le Havre)	≈2h30	€35–50	No car, scenic coastal finish
🚗 Driving (A13)	≈2 hours (210 km)	€20–25 tolls + fuel	Flexibility, coastal detours
🎟️ Guided day tour	≈2h15	€100–150	Zero planning, full-day itinerary

Option 1: Train to Le Havre, then bus to Étretat

There's no direct train to Étretat itself — the nearest station is Le Havre, about 30 km away, from which a regional bus completes the journey.

Step by step

Paris-Saint-Lazare → Le Havre — Direct trains take about 2 hours and run roughly hourly. Check times at SNCF Connect. Tickets cost around €25–40 one way.
Le Havre → Étretat — The Nomad bus line (line 24) runs from Le Havre train station / bus terminal to Étretat in about 40–45 minutes, for a few euros.
Arrival in Étretat — The bus drops you close to the town centre, a short walk from the beach and the cliffs on either side.

Recommended schedule: Take an early train (07:30–08:30) from Paris, arrive in Étretat by late morning, spend the afternoon walking the cliff paths, and catch a late-afternoon bus and train back.

🚌 Bus tip

Bus frequency drops on Sundays and outside peak season — check the Nomad Normandie timetable before you go, and plan your return bus in advance so you're not stranded after your cliff walk.

Option 2: Driving from Paris via the A13

Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially for reaching the cliff-top viewpoints outside the town centre:

Take the A13 motorway towards Rouen, then the A29 towards Le Havre
Follow signs for Étretat via the D940 — about 210 km, roughly 2 hours total
Park at one of the town's car parks near the seafront (payant in summer)

Tolls for the round trip run approximately €20–25, plus fuel. Driving lets you also stop at the Falaise d'Amont or Falaise d'Aval viewpoints, which are a drive or a longer walk from the centre.

🚗 Combine with Honfleur

With a car, you can combine Étretat with Honfleur (about 1 hour further along the coast via the Pont de Normandie) for a full Normandy coastal day.

Option 3: Guided coach tour from Paris

Given the longer journey and lack of a direct train, a guided day tour is a popular choice for Étretat. Most tours depart early from central Paris and include round-trip coach transport, a guide, and free time to walk the cliffs.

Étretat

Étretat Cliffs & Honfleur Port Full-Day Trip

Full day · VIP coach · 4.7 (192)

Discover the white chalk cliffs of Étretat and the charming port of Honfleur from Paris.

from €160 — Book on GetYourGuide →

Étretat

Étretat Day Trip with Lunch

Day trip · Business class

Travel from Paris in a business-class vehicle, explore Étretat at your own pace, enjoy lunch.

from €337 — Book on GetYourGuide →

Check our tours page for more recommended operators and booking links.

What to see at Étretat

Falaise d'Aval — The most iconic view, with the natural arch (Porte d'Aval) and the "needle" (Aiguille) rock formation just offshore.
Falaise d'Amont — A shorter, easier climb on the opposite side of the beach, with the small memorial chapel and monument to aviators Nungesser and Coli.
The town centre — Half-timbered houses, the covered market hall, and plenty of seafood restaurants along the seafront.

Practical tips

Wear proper shoes: the cliff-top paths are grassy, uneven, and can be slippery after rain.
Go early or late in the day for the best light on the cliffs and to avoid the summer crowds.
Book your return transport in advance whichever option you choose — trains, buses and tours fill up in July and August.

More Armada travel guides: Paris to Rouen · Paris to Giverny · Paris to Honfleur · Paris to Deauville · All day trips

Article published 17 July 2026 by the Armada Rouen Visitor Guide team.

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Paris to Étretat: The Complete Travel Guide