Each August, Étretat, perched on the dramatic Normandy coast, transforms into the vibrant scene of Fête de la Mer, the Sea Festival. This celebration is a fusion of maritime heritage and fresh adventure, inviting visitors to engage with the sea and cliffs that define this rugged coastline.

The festival centers around the harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob in rhythm with the tide, daring you to explore the water’s edge. Vendors offer local specialties—smoked herring, fresh oysters, and cider—fuelling the energy behind a backdrop of live music, traditional dances, and maritime parades.

Beyond the festivities, the surrounding landscape challenges hikers and adventurers. The trail from Étretat’s town center leads you along chalk cliffs rising sharply 70 meters above the sea, their vertical faces fiercely carved by relentless Atlantic winds. The hike is approximately 6 kilometers round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 120 meters. Forested paths wind through pockets of woodland where sunlight competes with the shade, and on clear days, the sea reflects a brilliant blue that feels almost tangible.

The terrain shifts between well-trodden gravel paths and occasional rugged stone steps that demand sturdy footwear. The cliffs engage fiercely with visitors—the wind pushes forward like a constant test of balance, and the sea below dares you to reach further. Timing your hike outside peak festival hours lets you savor sweeping views of the iconic Needle rock formation and the graceful arch of Manneporte in near solitude.

Practical preparation is vital. Pack water generously—the sun can intensify quickly on exposed cliff tops. Comfortable hiking shoes with solid grip ensure confident footing on slick stone or pebbled paths. Arriving in the morning maximizes daylight and cooler air, avoiding the afternoon push when crowds thicken.

Fête de la Mer, then, is more than a festival; it’s an active engagement with Normandy’s fierce coastline. Whether you’re tasting the culture in Étretat’s lively streets or tracing the cliffside trails, this Sea Festival promises adventure grounded in local tradition and the unstoppable spirit of the sea.