At the end of the Valleuse d’Antifer lies Plage du Tilleul, also known as Plage d’Antifer. Limestone cliffs frame the beach; the landscape is considered wild and unspoilt. The Valleuse covers more than 150 hectares and includes meadows, heathland and ponds, with remarkable biological and landscape diversity. It is designated an espace naturel sensible (ENS) and belongs to the Conservatoire du littoral. A 2 km footpath provides access to the sea from the Valleuse d’Antifer.
Coast, Access and Walks
Plage du Tilleul can be reached via one of two car parks, followed by a walk along an approximately 1.5 km paved path. Because rockfalls can occur at any time, do not stay at the foot of the cliffs. Check local conditions before planning your visit.
From the beach, you can take the GR21 towards Étretat; this involves climbing up the cliff. Check the path conditions locally. For a longer walk, try the La Valleuse d’Antifer circular route: it starts and ends in Le Tilleul, passes through Étretat and La Poterie-Cap-d’Antifer, and is 12.4 km long. The route is considered moderately difficult, and the stated duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Routes and timings may change, so check the latest route information before setting out.
When planning your stay, it helps to distinguish between access to the beach and a longer circular walk: reaching the beach involves an approximately 1.5 km paved footpath, while the circular walk is listed as 12.4 km and 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you are looking for a hotel in Le Tilleul, you can first decide whether coastal trails or the longer walk will be the main focus of your trip.
Buildings and Local History
The Château de Fréfossé was built in 1771 by Compoinct du Boulhard. It was renovated and extended between 1850 and 1870. The estate’s history also includes the Tour Lanterne: built in 1830, it served as a tea room.
The architecture of Église Saint-Martin preserves traces of the transition to the Renaissance. A very old stained-glass window depicts Charles de Pelletot, knight and lord of Fréfossé, together with his wife, Marie de Clercy. The church also houses a Dumont & Lelièvre harmonium from Les Andelys, dating from the late 19th century. The upper part of its case is made of Cuban mahogany.
The area’s agricultural past is also part of its history. The Clos-masure de la Sauvagère includes a typical Pays de Caux farm and is one of the oldest in the commune of Le Tilleul. The Manege, rebuilt in Parc Mathilde, was previously dismantled from the Fréfossé farm and also bears witness to this agricultural past. The Banc de la justice is considered a rare and valuable reminder of the feudal period; for centuries, it was a symbol of the authority of the Chevaliers de Fréfossé, the lords of Le Tilleul.
Ship graffiti on some of the oldest buildings recall that the local lords were entrusted with the Guet de la Manche, the coastal watch along the English Channel. These traces add a coastal connection to the area’s architectural history and reflect the duties associated with lordship in Le Tilleul.
Horse Riding and Travel Planning
The Domaine équestre d’Étretat offers horse-riding activities for all levels and age groups. Rides set off from there to explore the cliffs and the Valleuse d’Antifer. The offering is seasonal and requires booking; check dates and booking options for your trip.
You can plan your stay around your interests: coastal scenery and trails, a longer hike, horse-riding activities, or the area’s architectural and agricultural history. When looking for accommodation, it may help to organise these plans first and then find a hotel that fits your itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Duclair, Mannevillette, Tourville-La-Chapelle, Houdetot, Jumièges, Ingouville, Gruchet-Le-Valasse, Martainville-Épreville
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
