The smell of the sea, joyful people, seagulls, bright sunshine, seafood, wonderful landscapes, and a source of impressionism. These words conjure up images of Normandy's beach cities in summer. Thanks to its stunning landscape, Etretat is considered as one of the must-visit cities in the region.
«Summer», 2019 (rignt side of the picture)
Gevorg Tadevosyan, Armenia
Bronze, iron
Etretat is a small city that you can look around in an hour. You would get off the bus in front of the city hall, then you would stroll downtown towards to the sea or to have lunch, would climb a hill to admire the views of cliffs. And on the hilltops, don't miss the Les Jardins d'Etretat, a beautiful and artistic french garden.
The Les Jardins d'Etretat was created in the late 19th century by Madame Thébault, a french actress, and friend of Claude Monet the impressionist, who used to paint Etretat. Madame Thébault was inspired by Monet's artwork and this inspiration led to the creation of the Les Jardins d'Etretat on the hillside. Recently in 2017, Alexandre Grivko, famous landscape architect fascinated by this history, gave Les Jardins d'Étretat their nobility. The project is the winner of the European Garden Award in the category "Best development of a historic park or garden", possesses one MICHELIN star in the Green Guide, listed among "Great Gardens of the World" and has the label "Remarkable Garden".
«Drops of Rain», 2016
Samuel Salcedo, Barcelona, Spain.
Mix of polyester resin and aluminum powder.
The fiirst thing you would see will be this work. This garden is in fact not only a well-created french garden, but contemporary art exhibition where you can even vote for the best work. the exhibition and arrangement of the garden is regularly changed depending on the theme or season.
«Mobile Music 10%», 2019
Shuengit Chow, Hong Kong, China,
Aluminum foil (drink cans)
For example, this work is made by beer cans. You can imagine what the artist wanted to express and find your favourite beer. It represents "finding the beauty in the everyday, in the most commun objects surrounding us", according to sculptor. What do you imagine?
«Meditation», 2011
Dashi Namdakov, France
Patinated bronze
You can also enjoy the variety of the garden. It is divided in seven zones which represent different concepts such as impressionism, emotions, harmony and so on. This photo shows the Garden of Zen. It embodies a harmony between human and nature.
There is a spectacular view of Etretat from the garden cliffs. You can enjoy some drinks or a simple lunch in this lush atmosphere. This place is also the most popular spot for artists. They always compete with one another to be able to install their works at this magnificent spot.
The most picturesque zone would be the Garden of Emotions. These hilarious faces ''symbolise the various moods of the ocean and its inhabitants'' according to the sculptors. You can create good memories with interesting and instagrammable photos here.
As you can see the Les Jardins d'Etretat is a beautiful place that will make your trip to Etretat all the more special. When you visit the gardens, don't forget to bring a camera!
1. Near the entrance, you can find a bar. It is a great choice when you get thirsty on the hills, or if you would like to take some drinks into the garden. Hats are recommended on sunny days.
2. The Les Jardins d'Etretat organises various events such as dance, music, and yoga sessions. It can be a good opportunity to do activities in luscious nature.
Author - Soonmin Hong
Photograph - Yuka Ishihara
Address : Avenue Damilaville, 76790 Étretat
Opening Hours : Everyday 10:00-19:00
Admission fee : Adults : 9.50 euros / Children of age 2-14 : 7.20 euros / baby of age 0-1: free
Website : Click here