The secret valleys

The hidden treasures of the Côte d'Albâtre

If the Côte d’Albâtre fascinates by the grandeur of its cliffs, its valleys are its secret passages. These deep valleys, sculpted by erosion, offer rare and privileged access to the sea.

Each of them tells a unique story, blending raw nature and human imprint. From the mythical Antifer valley to the more remote and discreet ones, follow the thread of these landscapes suspended between land and sea.

An intimate exploration of the coast awaits you, on foot or by bike, in search of these natural treasures.

©Senneville-sur-Fécamp Valleuses Hiking|V. Rustuel

The must-see valleys Between Etretat and Fécamp

Some of Seine-Maritime’s valleys have become classics for nature lovers.

La valleuse d’Antifer: near Étretat, with its wooded path winding down to a wild beach, bordered by the English Channel. Preserved and silent, it offers the perfect setting for contemplation and biodiversity observation.

The Bruneval valley: Not far from here, the Bruneval valley, marked by the history of the British commando raid in 1942, combines historical emotions with spectacular views of the English Channel.

La valleuse de Senneville-sur-Fécamp: Further north, near Fécamp, the Valleuse de Senneville-sur-Fécamp is a small valley accessible by a road bordered by meadows, ending in a staircase leading directly to the sea. A verdant setting much appreciated by anglers and lovers of peaceful spots.

Between Fécamp and Dieppe

The Vasterival valley: near Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer, this valley is inseparable from Princess Sturdza’s garden. A lush green setting where flora rubs shoulders with the maritime skies, it will appeal to botanists and lovers of peaceful landscapes alike.

La valleuse de Boucherot: Still unspoilt, the Boucherot valley leads to a pebble beach with old-fashioned charm. The perfect place for a timeless break in a serene setting.

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The secret valleys Between Dieppe and Le Tréport

For adventurers in search of authenticity, some of the more remote or little-known valleys are well worth the detour for a complete change of scenery.

La valleuse du Petit-Ailly: Popular with fishermen during high tide, this valley offers a magnificent view over the Bay of Dieppe. Perfect for a peaceful getaway.

La valleuse de Berneval-le-Grand: This landscaped valley leads to a beach combining sand and pebbles, overlooked by a chapel and a monument commemorating Operation Jubilee in 1942. A place steeped in history and beauty.

©Valleuse in Varengeville-Sur-Mer|V. Rustuel

Between Etretat and Fécamp

La Valleuse du Fourquet: Small and discreet, the valleuse du Fourquet evokes a passage out of time, where you feel alone in the face of the elements.

La Valleuse de Grainval: South of Fécamp, this intimate valley boasts a small brick and flint chapel, offering a peaceful, authentic setting.

La Valleuse d’Yport: Formerly a fishing village and now a popular seaside resort, Yport’s Belle Époque villas, picturesque lanes and valley leading to an unspoilt beach make it an enchanting place to visit.

La Valleuse de Valaine: Although perched without direct access to the sea, this valley offers exceptional panoramic views between Pointe de la Courtine and Manneporte, near Étretat. Ideal for immersing yourself in the raw nature of the Normandy coast.
Sometimes steep, these valleys require more careful walking, but the rewards are immense: secret coves, deserted beaches and absolute silence, disturbed only by the sound of the waves and the cry of the gulls.

Biodiversity: sanctuaries for flora and fauna

Protected from the tumult of the sea and intensive human activity, the valleys are home to remarkable biodiversity.

These natural corridors are home to a variety of species: herring gulls, wild rabbits, wall lizards and flora typical of coastal environments.

The cliffs, meanwhile, become the kingdom of seabirds, while the inland meadows are home to a rich and preserved vegetation. The Normandy valleys illustrate the delicate balance between land and sea, a living and fragile space.

Between discovery, history and contemplation

The valleys of Seine-Maritime are an ode to the raw beauty of the Normandy coast. They are a reminder that nature, in its rifts, offers us its most precious secrets…