Photographing Etretat, France

Etretat is a small village in the Normandy, coast of France surrounded by high cliffs.

These cliffs have conic and arch formats creating an unique and picturesque scenario, perfect for photographers. I had planned to arrive mid afternoon in the village to have enough time to hike the cliff for a good sunset position. Unfortunately, I did not stick to the plan, so I only stayed on the bay area of Etretat.

If you arrive with enough time and the tide is low, there is a hiking trail up the main cliff and down on the other side where the sun illuminates the main conic and arch formation during sunset. Another option, if the tide is not low enough, which you can check on the outside of the tourist information office, is to photograph the formation from the top of the cliff.


A third option and the one that I have taken is to stay on the beach area. The problem with this option is that the cliff is backlit, making it hard to properly expose. Some photoshop processing is required to maximize the beauty of the location. 

Image 1 - Etretat main arch from beach

Image 2 - Etretat main arch and cone formation from beach area

If the tide is low, take advantage of the rocks and algae for the foreground and also some close up. The texture and colours are enhanced by the side light of the sunset. 

Image 3 - Low tide photo opportunity

Image 4 - Rocks and algae on Etretat beach area

I made sure to look to the other corner of the beach where a smaller arch formation exists. Since I was on the beach, the sunset light was absolutely perfect for that location, radiating the reds and oranges hues. I moved around the beach area to capture different foregrounds.

Image 5 - Right cliff of Etretat

Image 6 - Sunset colours reflected from cliff

Moving around also allows different angles of the left cliff. The center of the beach provides a better view of the conic formation behind the arch. 

Image 7 - Arch during sunset without conic formation

Image 8 - Moving closer to the center of the beach allows the conic formation to be visible

Last but not least, the cliffs are illuminated at night. I went for dinner at the local casino and after ordering I went back out for some final images of the cliffs this time artificially illuminated but still with some sunset colour in the sky. 

Image 9 - Cliffs illuminated at night

Image 10 - Cliffs illuminated at night still with colour in the sky