Thoughtfully designed journeys, rooted in place.

New York

2024

The Côte d’Albâtre — From Étretat to Dieppe

A journey along Normandy’s spectacular Côte d’Albâtre, where towering chalk cliffs, quiet beaches and charming seaside villages have inspired artists for generations. The landscape became particularly important to the Impressionist movement, whose painters were drawn to the changing light, colours and atmosphere of the Normandy coast.

Étretat

Famous for its monumental cliffs, arches and sea stacks, Étretat was a favourite subject of Claude Monet, who returned repeatedly to capture the cliffs under different light and weather conditions. The dramatic landscape remains one of Normandy’s most iconic views.

Fécamp

A historic maritime town surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Fécamp offers a more intimate coastal atmosphere. Its harbour, fishing heritage and changing seascapes contributed to the artistic appeal of the region.

Saint-Valery-en-Caux

A peaceful seaside resort nestled between the cliffs, with a picturesque harbour and beautiful views over the Channel. Its combination of architecture, sea and natural light perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Côte d’Albâtre.

Veules-les-Roses

One of Normandy’s most charming coastal villages, with flower-filled lanes, traditional houses and small watermills along the Veules River. A place to slow down and appreciate the quieter side of the Norman landscape.

Dieppe

The journey concludes in Dieppe, one of the earliest seaside resorts in France and an important destination for artists and writers. Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Eugène Boudin all painted the Normandy coast, attracted by its unique light and ever-changing skies.

A journey through landscapes that inspired the Impressionists — following the changing light of Normandy from the cliffs of Étretat to the elegant seaside atmosphere of Dieppe.

Hautot-sur-Mer
A peaceful coastal village set between the green Norman countryside and the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre. With its secluded beaches, coastal paths and ever-changing light, Hautot-sur-Mer offers a quieter, more intimate side of Normandy, perfect for experiencing the natural beauty that has long inspired artists along this coastline.
Sotteville-sur-Mer
A charming village perched above the Côte d’Albâtre, Sotteville-sur-Mer is best known for its 104-step staircase leading down through the chalk cliffs to the sea. Once used by local fishermen, the steps offer a beautiful descent to a secluded beach framed by dramatic cliffs.
Today, Sotteville-sur-Mer is an ideal stop for discovering the quieter, authentic side of the Norman coast, with panoramic sea views, traditional village character and a landscape shaped by the interplay of cliffs, sea and changing light.
Veules-les-Roses
One of Normandy’s most enchanting seaside villages, Veules-les-Roses combines traditional Norman charm with the dramatic beauty of the Côte d’Albâtre. Its flower-filled lanes, thatched and timber-framed cottages, watermills and the winding Veules — one of France’s shortest rivers — lead gently towards the sea.
Along the coastline, white chalk cliffs frame a beautiful pebble beach, with views stretching across the English Channel. At low tide, the landscape reveals a succession of rock pools and sandy patches, while the changing light and colours of the sea create the quiet, atmospheric beauty that has long attracted artists to this part of Normandy.
Varengeville-sur-Mer
Perched high above the Côte d’Albâtre, Varengeville-sur-Mer is one of Normandy’s most beautiful and atmospheric coastal villages. Surrounded by rolling countryside, woodland and dramatic chalk cliffs, it offers sweeping views across the English Channel and a wonderfully peaceful sense of place.
The village is particularly known for its clifftop church and sea-facing cemetery, where the landscape, gardens and horizon create an extraordinary setting. Its changing light, wild coastline and intimate countryside have attracted numerous artists, including Claude Monet and Georges Braque, making Varengeville an ideal stop for those interested in the artistic heritage and natural beauty of Normandy.