The Region
Located less than three hours from Paris and the Hauts-de-France region, the Côte d'Albâtre stands out for its authentic, natural character. Far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, it offers a relaxing environment all year round, with its marina, beaches and many picturesque villages. History has left many traces along the coast, with museums, antiques, parks, gardens, hidden castles and religious buildings all bearing witness to a unique architectural heritage.Between lush green meadows and white cliffs, this region offers a wide range of outdoor activities and nautical sports, whether by sea, lake or river. There's also plenty to keep you entertained. Local markets, shopkeepers and direct sales on the quayside showcase local produce, from the catch of the day to regional specialities. Flax, watercress, oysters, cider, ice cream and farmhouse cheeses are some of the local delicacies on offer.
Sports & Nature
The Côte d'Albâtre is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. The "Sentier de Grande Randonnée GR21", also known as the "Sentier des Falaises", runs along the Normandy coast from Le Havre to Le Tréport, offering spectacular views of the white chalk cliffs and passing through picturesque towns such as Étretat, Fécamp and Veules-les-Roses. The "Sentier des Douaniers", or "Sentier du Littoral", allows you to discover the wild beauty of the cliffs and pebble beaches, with exceptional views over the English Channel.The Greenways offer safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians. The "Voie Verte de la Côte d'Albâtre", a former railway line converted into a cycle and pedestrian path, links Fécamp to Saint-Pierre-en-Port through bucolic countryside. The "Véloroute du Littoral" follows the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the sea, passing through iconic towns such as Dieppe and Saint-Valery-en-Caux.
Water sports are also popular on the Côte d'Albâtre. The beaches of Étretat, Fécamp and Veules-les-Roses are ideal for surfing and kite-surfing, with their regular waves and favourable wind conditions. The harbours of Fécamp and Dieppe are ideal for sailing excursions, and scuba diving around Fécamp and Dieppe is a great way to discover the richness of the seabed.
Finally, canoeing and kayaking along the picturesque coastline and nautical sports at Lac de Caniel complete the range of outdoor activities on offer. Whether you're a walker, cyclist, surfer, nautical sports enthusiast or fisherman, the Côte d'Albâtre has something to satisfy all your desires for nature and adventure.
Cultural heritage
The Côte d'Albâtre is rich in cultural heritage, with iconic sites such as the "Palais Bénédictine" and the "Musée des Pêcheries" in Fécamp, as well as the delightful walk along the Veules in Veules-les-Roses, France's smallest river. The "Maison des Templiers" in Fécamp takes visitors back to medieval times with its contemporary art exhibitions.The "Ferme Musée du Champ Collectif" in Sotteville-sur-Mer presents traditional farming life, while the "Maison Henri IV" in Saint-Valery-en-Caux is dedicated to local history and the Renaissance. The ‘Musée de l'Horlogerie’ in Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont will delight clock lovers with its collection of clocks and time-measuring instruments.
Lesser-known but equally fascinating sites include the "Colombier du Manoir d'Ango" in Varengeville-sur-Mer, a Renaissance dovecote surrounded by gardens, and the "Caves de Valmon"t, former chalk quarries transformed into a historic visitor attraction. The murals at Saint-Pierre-en-Port add a local artistic touch, while the ‘Grotte des Petites Dalles’ at Sassetot-le-Mauconduit and the ‘Moulins de Vittefleur’ offer unique experiences off the beaten track.
The Côte d'Albâtre is a destination that never ceases to amaze with the richness and diversity of its cultural heritage. By exploring these little-known sites, visitors can discover unsuspected aspects of this fascinating region.