The Vélomaritime: Etretat - Le Havre Green Route (EuroVelo 4)

The Vélomaritime: from Étretat to Le Havre, between cliffs and heritage

Speaking on 42 km across Etretat et Le Havrethis step of The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) takes you on a journey of discovery through spectacular coastal landscapes, a rich maritime past, and iconic cities, between wild nature and World Heritage sites. From the alabaster coast With its modernist architecture in Le Havre, this section combines the pleasure of a stroll with cultural immersion.

The departure to Etretat, a true jewel of the Normandy coast, sets the tone. Dominated by its famous chalk cliffs – whose natural arch and needle-like rock formation have inspired painters and writers – Étretat is an open-air theatre facing the sea. A stop is a must in the Gardens of ÉtretatPerched high above, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama blending contemporary art and sculpted nature. Don't miss a visit to the... Arsène Lupin Enclosure, the house of Maurice Leblanc, which immerses visitors in the world of the gentleman thief.

The route then follows the coastal heights, winding between green valleys and windy plateausLess than 10 km from Étretat, the Poterie-Cap-d'Antifer valley offers an accessible descent to the sea and allows you to admire the local flora and fauna. Further on, the Antifer LighthouseStanding tall against the elements, it has guided sailors since the 1950s, while the Saint-Jouin-Bruneval valley reveals a peaceful beach and an air of being at the end of the world.

Nearby, the Bruneval MemorialLocated just 600m from the route, it commemorates theBiting operation In 1942, a daring Allied operation to capture German radar technology took place. This historically significant site serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of this coastline during World War II.

Approaching the HavreThe incline becomes more pronounced. Take care on the descents, even though traffic remains light. Le Havre city center is accessible via a temporary diversion implemented until February 2025, borrowing the strasbourg blvd and the street of Paris, two routes well designed for cyclists.

Arrive at Le Havre, a city rebuilt after the war under the direction of the architect Auguste Perret. Classified at Unesco World HeritageIts city center boasts a unique, bold, and luminous architectural style. gigantic portthe rehabilitated quays, the MuMa (André Malraux Museum of Modern Art) and the urban beach make this city a stop full of surprises.

For cyclists wishing to cross the Seine estuary, several options exist for crossing the Normandy Bridge, in particular bus line 122 equipped with bike rack, or a transfer service for bicycles and luggage.