Want to get out into nature? To escape the hustle and bustle of Paris for a weekend, why not treat yourself to a lovely nature getaway? Among the beautiful getaways less than 100 km from Paris, how could we not mention the idyllic towns of Gerberoy, Barbizon, or Giverny? But a little further afield, just over a two-hour trip from the capital, lies a small haven of peace reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. A stunning green oasis that promises a truly spectacular, refreshing getaway…
The perfect idyllic spring getaway
It’s a truly magical stroll that we invite you to discover today, in the heart of the Jardins d’Étretat. Perched on the heights of the Alabaster Coast, these neo-futuristic gardens create a dialogue between architecture and contemporary art in the most poetic way imaginable. A Garden of Eden with a breathtaking view of the sea and the cliffs of Étretat.
You can also see the Aiguille Creuse, a 51-meter-high white chalk spire, one of Normandy’s most photographed panoramas. In this veritable open-air natural museum, contemporary sculptures also seem to blend into the backdrop of carefully trimmed hedges.
A dreamlike garden with “living sculptures,” an ode to the beauty of Normandy’s flora
For the record, it was in the 19th century that the French comic actress Madame Thébault, inspired by the paintings of her friend Claude Monet, decided to create this magical garden. And so the Jardins d’Étretat were born in 1905.
In 2017, the garden’s concept was completely reimagined by Alexandre Grivko, a renowned landscape architect. In just two years, the masterful landscaper crafted immense plant compositions, evoking the beauty and abundance of Normandy’s flora. Waves of the English Channel, spirals and ocean eddies, oyster farms, cliffs, and arches of the Alabaster Coast…all sculptural forms that celebrate the richness of this ecosystem.
Seven gardens, seven worlds… one of which is inspired by Alice in Wonderland
In the heart of the Jardins d’Étretat, visitors discover seven distinct worlds. In the Avatar Garden, the focus is on magic and fairy tales. In the Emotions Garden, the underwater world unfolds before onlookers: the sculptures by Catalan artist Samuel Salcedo magnificently display a full range of human emotions.
The Jardin Impressions, meanwhile, is considered “the heart” of the Jardins d’Étretat. A highlight offering a panoramic view of the English Channel and the cliffs, where many painters once drew their inspiration.
In the Jardin d’Aval, it’s time to relax and socialize. A lush green setting that instantly transports visitors into the world of Alice in Wonderland. The stroll continues through the Zen Garden, where art lovers can catch their breath. A minimalist space, symbolizing the union between humanity and nature.
There is also the Jardin La Manche, with its labyrinth-like layout, as well as the Jardin d’Amont, where the plants seem to blend into the horizon. Seven gardens of incomparable charm and just as many strolls filled with beauty, perfect for serenity… and wonder!
Avenue Damilaville
76790 Étretat, France
🎫 Prices:
- Adult: €12.90
- Teen (ages 15–17): €10
- Child (ages 8–14): €8
- People with disabilities: €9
- Children (0–7 years): Free
🕒 Opening hours:
- From 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.