Étretat
A left over pebbles below Étretat's famous cliffs.
Below Étretat's white cliffs and rock arches, a left breaks over a pebble bottom. It doesn't work often: it needs a good north-west swell and a southerly wind, mainly in autumn and winter.
It's one of the most visited places in Normandy, so parking is hard.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, N, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE, SW |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Étretat
The water is around 9 °C in winter and 17 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
It gets busy on the few good days and reports mention some localism. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Left over pebbles.
Hazards
Pebbles, cold water and water quality after rain.
Map
Other spots nearby
Yport
A fishing village between cliffs with a left that only works in storms.
Le Havre
Le Havre's city beach, with rights by the groynes.
Hautot-sur-Mer (Dieppe)
The beach of Dieppe's surfers and many of Paris's.
Maupertus-sur-Mer
A cove on the northern Cotentin that has some of the area's best waves when everything else closes out.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.