France Through My Lens-Etretat Fireworks

Some moments in France stay etched in my memory, and one of those was in Étretat on the eve of Bastille Day. As fireworks (les feux d’artifice) burst into colour above the dramatic white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast (Côte d’Albâtre) and reflected over the English Channel, I just stood there, taking it all in as one burst after another lit up the cliffs. Sure, it was a celebration of Bastille Day, but for me, it was one of those experiences that perfectly captures why I love travelling in France. This photo holds that memory, and in this post, I’ll share why it stood out and what it meant to me.

1. Etretat: Fireworks Illuminating Alabaster Cliffs

Etretat fireworks overlooking alabaster cliffs in Normandy

At 11:00 pm on July 13, I expected the pre-Bastille Day fireworks in Étretat to light up the sky; what I didn’t expect was how beautifully they would illuminate the famous alabaster cliffs. The bursts of colour reflected on the water and revealed the stunning silhouette of the Falaise d’Aval. The entire scene seemed to glow—the cliffs, the beach, and even the crowd watching in awe.

2. Theme: Sky, Cliffs, and Fireworks

That evening, the sky was perfectly clear—ideal conditions for a fireworks show over the English Channel. Each burst of colour lit up a different part of the cliffs, and for a few seconds at a time, it felt like the whole coastline was glowing.

3. Why I Chose This Photo

Cover of Jan's 34 trips to France photo album

I’ve always loved fireworks, and seeing them as part of France’s Bastille Day (Fête Nationale, July 14) celebrations felt extra special. What made it even more meaningful is that my birthday happens to fall on Bastille Day! It’s so meaningful to me that it became the cover image of the photo album I put together during Covid, chronicling my first 34 trips to France.

Whenever I look at this photo I have fond memories of standing on the boardwalk at Etretat. I had just finished dinner at a restaurant overlooking the beach and the evening festivities were just beginning. Crowds had assembled on the beach and boardwalk and although the show only lasted about 30 minutes, it was truly magical. If you’re planning to be in Normandy during Bastille Day, check out my post on: Where To See The Best Bastille Day Fireworks In Normandy.

4. From My Normandy Trip: Etretat Fireworks Highlight

For years I’d seen photos of Etretat’s cliffs and knew I had to see them. When I planned to spend a week in Normandy, I made Etretat my base to explore the region. It turned out to be the perfect choice. You can read a summary in my trip report:
Trip #31: The Ardèche, Provence, Paris and Normandy.

During the week, I hiked to see the cliffs (Falaise d’Aval and Falaise d’Amont)
[Post: Two Of The Best Ways To See The Cliffs At Etretat] and Jardins d’Etretat. I also took a boat ride along the coast, and made day trips to nearby villages and sites along the Cider Route. Highlights included:

The Calvados Experience in Calvados, where I tasted Calvados and Pommeau
Veules-les-Roses
Fécamp and its Bénédictine Palace
Yport
Allouville – home to Le Chêne d’Allouville, said to be the oldest oak tree in France (around 1,200 years old) and remarkable for the two chapels built inside its trunk
Yvetot – to see the stained glass at Eglise Saint-Pierre
Lillebonne – to see the Roman amphitheatre
Pont-Audemer
Honfleur

Of all the wonderful experiences that week, the fireworks in Étretat were the highlight.

5. Why You Should Visit Etretat

If, like me, you’re drawn to dramatic scenery, Étretat is the place to be. Whether you come in July for the fireworks or to hike along the Alabaster Coast, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Take time to explore nearby villages, taste local cider, Calvados, or Pommeau (read this post to find out more about Pommeau de Normandie-I can never resist a glass!), and admire the striking cliffs that make this area so unique. Étretat truly makes an ideal base for exploring Normandy.

This post is part of my France Through My Lens series, where I share one photo at a time from my travels. You can explore the full collection here: France Through My Lens.

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