GR 21 near Étretat

The GR 21 is a coastal footpath in France, in the Grande Randonnée network.

Understand

This 186 km (116 mi) route takes in the entire Alabaster Coast, its glorious chalk cliffs and snug harbour towns. It tracks north-east from Le Havre to Le Tréport on the Norman/Picard border.

Get in

The trail begins in Le Havre.

Walk

After leaving Le Havre, the trail ascends to Montivilliers. The next part of the route is along the cliffs of the Pays de Caux; a notable sight is Étretat, which is known for its chalk formations. The trail goes through many resorts and villages and eventually leads to Le Tréport near Eu.

Here is the route in list form:

• 1 Le Havre — literally "The Harbour", Le Havre is Paris's port town.
• 2 Étretat — near many cliffs on the shoreline, this town inspired many of Claude Monet's paintings.
• 3 Fécamp — beach, port, and "Bénédictine Palace"
• 4 Saint-Valery-en-Caux
• 5 Veules-les-Roses — the location of ancient water mills
• 6 Dieppe — brick architecture, harbours, and many seafood restaurants
• 7 Tréport — cliffs, fishing port, and seaside resort

Like other long-distance paths, the GR 21 lends itself to much shorter walks, with highlights around Étretat and Dieppe being especially popular.

Go next

• GR 223