Where to stay in Étretat: best hotels near the cliffs
September 24, 2025 · by Sébastien Joumel
Étretat's chalk arches and needle rising from the sea are among France's most photographed sights — which means its handful of hotels book out fast in summer and at weekends. Staying overnight, rather than day-tripping, lets you catch the cliffs at golden hour without the crowds. Here's where to base yourself.
Quick picks
- Best for the views: hotels up by the cliffs / golf.
- Best for convenience: the village centre, walk to the beach.
- Book early: tiny town, huge demand in summer & weekends.
The village centre — walk to everything
Staying in the compact centre puts you minutes from the seafront promenade, the market hall, restaurants and the paths up both cliffs (the Falaise d’Aval and Falaise d’Amont). This is the easiest base for a car-free stay and the most atmospheric in the evening once the day-trippers leave.
Up by the cliffs — for the view
A few characterful addresses sit above the town with sweeping Channel views — most famously Le Donjon – Domaine Saint Clair, a clifftop villa-hotel, and the Dormy House near the golf course. Choose these for romance and panoramas, with a short walk or drive into the village.
When to book
Étretat is a small town with limited rooms and enormous day-trip demand. For summer, school holidays and weekends, book weeks ahead — prices climb and the best places sell out. Midweek and shoulder season (spring, early autumn) are calmer and cheaper.
Étretat FAQ
Is it worth staying overnight in Étretat?
Yes — the cliffs are magical at sunrise and sunset, long after the day-trip coaches have gone. Overnighting is the whole point.
Where are the best views?
The clifftop hotels (Le Donjon, Dormy House) for panoramas; the village for walkability and the seafront.
Compare hotels in Étretat
See stays and live prices for Étretat and our other destinations on our destinations page.