Landmark
Aiguille d'Étretat
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The Aiguille d'Étretat is a dramatic natural limestone spire that juts out of the English Channel just offshore from the famous cliffs of Étretat. Standing about 70 meters (230 feet) tall, this iconic needle is the centerpiece of the coastal panorama visible from the clifftop paths. Visitors can admire it from the Falaise d'Aval (downstream cliff) or the Falaise d'Amont (upstream cliff), each offering a different perspective. The needle is particularly striking at sunrise or sunset when the chalk glows golden. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in Normandy and a symbol of the region's rugged beauty.
Don't miss
- View the needle from the Falaise d'Aval clifftop path for a classic photo
- Walk through the natural arch at the base of the cliff (accessible at low tide)
- Spot the needle from the pebble beach below the town
- Observe seabirds like cormorants and gulls nesting on the spire
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Aiguille d'Étretat
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inOutdoor Escape Game in Étretat4.8★ · 172 travelers~2 hoursFrom$30 per personSee dates →
Best full dayNormandy Rouen, Honfleur, Etretat Small group Day Trip from Paris5★ · 15 travelers~13 hoursFree cancellationFrom$436 per personSee dates →More attractions in Etretat