If you enjoy nature and art in equal measure, a stroll through Etretat Gardens will make you feel like you’ve found heaven on Earth. This experimental garden in Normandy is filled with living sculptures, overlooking the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast.
The Etretat Gardens date back to the early 20th century, and they once belonged to the French actress Madame Thébault. She was Claude Monet’s close friend, and the famed artist often came to the gardens to paint. About a century later, landscape architect Alexandre Grivko was entrusted with the restoration of the gardens, and he transformed them into a picturesque spot they are today.
The Etretat Gardens were described as “a playground where lush topiary, architecture and contemporary art dialogue in all poetry.” They were inspired by the flora of the Normandy coast, and feature a total of seven separate gardens. Garden of Emotions is the most photographed one, and it features the art installation “Drops of Rain”, which consists of seven large faces depicting various human emotions.
These gardens are located in the small town of Etretat in northern France, located about half an hour away from Le Havre by car. They are open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, and the adult ticket will set you back by 9.50 €.
