This Unique Garden Overlooking the Cliffs in Normandy Fascinates Visitors
Les Jardins d’Étretat is one of the most unusual gardens in France, a conceptual, design-driven space that combines nature, art, and landscape architecture.
Located on a cliff above the famous rock formations of Étretat, it offers panoramic views of the coastline while mixing sculpted greenery with contemporary art.
The garden dates back to 1905, when actress Madame Thébault planted the first trees. In 2017, landscape architect Alexandre Grivko transformed it into a modern, experimental space.
Today, it’s a unique mix of topiary art (trimming and shaping shrubs or small trees into decorative forms), sculptures, and immersive garden design. Here’s what you’ll find there.
1. The Clifftop Views
The garden is perched on Falaise d’Aval, one of the best viewpoints in Étretat. From its terraces, you can see the famous natural arch, the Needle rock formation (Aiguille), and the wide-open sea.
Sunsets are especially impressive, with the cliffs glowing orange. On misty mornings, the coastline looks completely different. If you’re visiting Étretat, this is one of the best places to take in the scenery.
2. The Sculpted Hedges
Unlike traditional gardens, Les Jardins d’Étretat focuses on sculptural topiary. The hedges are cut into rolling, wave-like forms that echo the shape of the cliffs and ocean below.
Each section of the garden has a different design. Some areas are geometric and structured, while others feel more natural. The effect is meant to create movement, making the entire space feel like a living landscape.
3. The Stone Faces
One of the most striking features of the garden is the large stone face sculptures hidden among the greenery. Created by Spanish artist Samuel Salcedo, these human-like sculptures appear to be half-buried in the earth.
Some have closed eyes, others look directly at visitors. Their expressions change depending on the light and angle, creating an unusual and slightly eerie effect.
4. The Garden Rooms
Les Jardins d’Étretat is divided into several themed areas, each with a distinct design. The Avatar Garden features futuristic plant formations and abstract sculptures, creating an almost sci-fi feel.
The Impressionist Garden takes inspiration from Claude Monet’s paintings, with flowing organic shapes and carefully arranged greenery that resemble a living canvas.
The Emotions Garden plays with optical illusions, where plants and sculptures interact in ways that change depending on the angle and lighting.
Each section is designed to create a different visual and sensory experience.
5. The Interactive Art Installations
Les Jardins d’Étretat is designed to engage visitors in unexpected ways. Some sculptures change depending on where you stand, using mirrors, reflections, and shadows to blend into the landscape.
The garden’s layout also plays with perspective, creating optical illusions where shapes and pathways seem to shift as you move.
One section even includes hidden speakers that play ambient sounds, like faint whispers, rustling leaves, and distant waves. The effect is subtle but eerie, making the space feel strangely alive.
These elements turn the garden into an experience that constantly reacts to its surroundings.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: Étretat, Normandy
- Opening Hours: Open daily, with seasonal hours varying
- Tickets: Around €12 for adults, discounts for students and children
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for the best lighting, or evening for a quieter experience