Things to do in Fécamp: beach, cliffs and Benedictine
Hello! You probably know Etretat for its famous cliffs, right? But did you know Fécamp’s cliffs are as beautiful? In this article I tell you the things to do in Fécamp for a day trip and take you to discover its beach, its culture and its breathtaking landscapes.
What are the things to do in Fécamp?
Fécamp Beach
To admire the cliffs you can go to two places. The first one is the beach of Fécamp which is 5 minutes walk from the city center.
It is very typical of Upper Normandy because it’s a pebble beach. When you are facing the sea, on your left you can see its magnificent white cliffs which run along the entire coast. You can also get a great view of the beach and cliffs from the pier on your right, near the lighthouse.
For those who want to do some exercise (and get rid-off violet ice cream calories, for example) wander on the beach. You’ll notice quickly that walking on pebbles is quite a good exercice!
About the pebbles, please read the following! They seem to be a perfect souvenir to take with you, but please leave them on the beach! First, because they are part of the landscape and enable the cliffs to stay as they are! And if the preservation of the landscape is not a good enough reason for you, be aware that it’s in your wallet best interest. You could get fined for this 🙂
Cap Fagnet
From the Cap Fagnet, which is located in the heights of Fécamp, you’ll see a superb scenery.
On one side, you can enjoy the cliffs of Fécamp, with its beach and its harbour. If the weather is beautiful, you can see the Albâtre coast.
On the other side, you’ll discover an exceptional view of the cliffs and Blockhouses from the Atlantic Wall. We often speak of the Normandy landing beaches such as Arromanches or Utah Beach, but the Germans were also present in Upper Normandy.
Palais Bénédictine, a must-see place in Fécamp
I strongly recommend you to visit the Palais des Bénédictines. We often talk about Calvados or Pommeau in Normandy, so learning more about Bénédictine liquor was a great surprise!
The architecture of the building is of course splendid from the outside, but the story you discover inside is even more incredible!
I won’t tell you everything in detail because I want you to discover its secrets for yourself. All you need to know is that you’ll discover how the famous Bénédictine liquor is made. Its various ingredients, its manufacturing process and how to use it in cocktails. I loved being able to touch the plants and spices, smell the aromas, and taste the liquor at the end of the visit. You’ll also know more about its creator, a Benedictine monk who lived in the Abbey of Fécamp in the 16th century.
Wandering in the town centre and harbour
Please take some time to wander in the town centre to admire the beautiful villas and its harbour to soak up the maritime culture.
If you are lucky enough to be there from the 1st to 5th July 2020, the town is organizing a maritime gathering with many traditional French and European boats. Fécamp will therefore be animated during these 5 days with a dedicated section to learn more about marine know-how, exhibitions and conferences. You’ll also be able to take to water with a trip the sea. Make sure you reserve in advance for this last attraction, which you can easily do by selecting a date at the bottom of the official Fécamp Grande Escale website by clicking here.
Hotels in Fécamp?
There are hotels for every budgets in Fécamp. I’ve prepared a list for you below to help you make the best choice:
- Hotel Le Grand Pavois: which is located in the town centre, only 200m from the beach;
- A La Maison Blanche: a cute B&B with a private garden located in the centre;
- Aux Premières Loges: if you want an amazing view over the town. If you travel with a pet they are also welcomed at this place;
- Le quai Maupassant or Le Sunset Beach: if you’d like to be more independent, these private flats might be for you;
- If you’re traveling with your family, you might be more confortable staying in a house, such as Belle Maison De Pêcheur or Maison XIXm;
- If you have a car, Loggias de Fécamp, 20 minutes drive from the centre, has private mobile homes with stunning view over the cliffs;
Click here to check hotel prices in Fécamp
Things to do near Fécamp?
As mentioned above, Etretat is only 40km away and is a must-see place in Normandy. Very well known for its arch and its famous needle.
If you want to discover a big city in Normandy, then I recommend to visit Rouen which is also located as well in the department of Seine Maritime. The city is steeped in history, especially with Joan of Arc and its cathedral.
Honfleur, in Lower Normandy, is also nearby with its cobbled streets and its harbour with colorful houses.
So are you ready to spend a day in Fécamp? If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below!
Boujou (the Norman way to say XOXO)