The Côte d’Albâtre, stretching from Le Havre to Le Tréport, takes its name from the whiteness of its chalk cliffs, carved by erosion into striking arches and needles — the most famous of which stand right at Étretat. A coastal road that alternates short climbs with open views over the English Channel.
A road that rolls between cliffs and dry valleys
From Étretat, the route follows the coast toward Fécamp via the small village of Yport, on a road that repeatedly crosses “valleuses” — the dry valleys running perpendicular to the coastline that force a drop then a climb back out at every coastal village. Expect around 40 km and 600 m of cumulative climbing for the out-and-back, a profile built from short repeated efforts rather than any real mountain climb.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset makes the short but repeated climbs out of each valleuse easier. Wind, often present on this stretch exposed to the Channel, can make some sections harder than expected, particularly toward the end of the ride if it shifts direction.
When to go
April to October, avoiding winter months when wind and rain, frequent on this stretch of coast, make the ride noticeably harder going.
Good to know
Étretat, despite its modest size, has a substantial choice of accommodation thanks to its tourist reputation, with convenient access to Le Havre to extend the trip with some architectural heritage.
