Etretat Cliffs Birdwatching and Naturalist Walk
A two-hour small-group walk with naturalist guide Cyriaque Lethuillier, watching seasonal seabirds, migrants and clifftop species around Etretat.
About this tour
Explore the birds of the Etretat cliffs with Cyriaque Lethuillier, the local naturalist behind Natterra. This two-hour outing begins in the town centre and uses the most suitable nearby viewpoints and cliff habitat for the season, weather and current bird activity.
The chalk coast supports a changing community through the year. Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, European Shags and Western Jackdaws are among the regular cliff birds. Northern Fulmars are usually present from December into August, while Northern Gannets, Black-legged Kittiwakes, terns, grebes and other seabirds may be seen offshore or during seasonal movements. Peregrine Falcon is an occasional possibility rather than a guaranteed sighting.
Clifftop grass, scrub and the edge of the village add another layer to the walk. Depending on the month, the route can produce White Wagtail, European Robin, Eurasian Wren, Northern Wheatear, European Stonechat, swallows, swifts, finches and other passerines. During migration, Cyriaque can shift the emphasis toward birds moving along the coast and explain how weather and season shape what is visible.
This is a guided naturalist walk, so bird observation is placed in the wider setting of the cliffs and their coastal ecology. Regular shared outings are generally scheduled at weekends and can run with up to ten guests. A private visit can also be arranged on request, with its meeting point and format adapted to the group.
Private outings can use other sites according to the requested birds and season. From February to July, cliff-bird routes may include Etretat, Cap d'Antifer, Yport, Fécamp and Cap Fagnet. Year-round wetland birding is available in the Seine Estuary. Bruneval, Antifer, Etretat and Fécamp also give access to coastal valleys and lower alluvial valleys with forest, heath, meadow and farmland habitats.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to France.
Birds you can spot
Rissa tridactyla
target
Larus argentatus
target
Erithacus rubecula
target
Gulosus aristotelis
target
Saxicola rubicola
target
Larus marinus
target
Fulmarus glacialis
target
Falco peregrinus
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Seasonal birding on the Etretat cliffs
Meet Cyriaque in front of Etretat Town Hall, then walk toward suitable clifftop and coastal observation points. The group spends time with the resident cliff birds and scans the sea for seasonal movement, with additional attention to passerines in grass, scrub and the village edge.
The route remains flexible so Cyriaque can respond to weather, visibility and bird activity while explaining the wider natural history of the chalk coast.
Locations & map
- Etretat Town Hall and nearby cliffs - Normandy France (The precise walking route is chosen for current weather and coastal conditions.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round. Northern Fulmars are normally present from December through August, while offshore seabirds, migrants and pa
Included
- Naturalist guide - Two hours of bird observation and interpretation of the coastal environment.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
When are regular outings available?
Natterra normally schedules regular outings on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The exact available time is confirmed after inquiry.
Can one person join?
Yes. A single guest can request the regular walk by paying for two places, a total of €60.
Can the walk be private?
Yes. Private visits are tailored to the group and quoted separately, with the meeting point confirmed for the chosen plan.
Are particular birds guaranteed?
No. Species and numbers vary with season, weather and natural bird activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.