Near Vattetot-Sur-Mer, coastal paths around Vaucottes meet two hikes with different routes and architectural heritage around Saint-Pierre. This offers different ways to plan a stay: a path to the valleuse, a longer hike, or the church and its history.
Coast and Valleuse de Vaucottes
From Vattetot-Sur-Mer, Vaucottes Beach is accessible via paths along the cliffs or the sunken lane of the valleuse. The valleuse itself is reached by a scenic road through the Bois des Hogues. A path descends to the sea between slopes lined with manor houses and villas. Visitors to the coast can therefore choose between different landscapes: the cliff path or the route through the valleuse. Check the conditions at the coastal access point locally.
Fishing from the shore is possible between the rocks. Check the tides and local safety conditions beforehand. Swimming is prohibited at Vaucottes Beach. As safety information can change, check local notices again before your visit.
The Vallon de Vaucottes includes a registered protected area covering 17.77 hectares. The corresponding decree was issued on 27 November 1935.
Hiking trails with different routes
Vaucottes lies on the GR21 long-distance hiking trail. Further along, the GR21 follows the Côte d’Albâtre between Le Tréport and Étretat, then heads inland and continues to Le Havre. For planning a local hike, two routes stand out in particular for their different formats: a loop and a route to Yport with a return via forest paths.
The loop Entre bois et valleuses starts at the church in Vattetot-Sur-Mer, is 9 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is listed as route number 19 in the agglomeration’s hiking programme and is included in the PDESI. The second hike, Les Villas de Vaucottes, also starts at the church and runs from Vattetot-Sur-Mer to Yport through the Valleuse de Vaucottes; the return route follows forest paths. The regional hiking map gives this route as 8.5 kilometres, taking about 3 hours, though the actual duration may vary slightly.
In direct comparison, the route to Yport, at 8.5 kilometres, is slightly shorter than the 9-kilometre loop, but its estimated duration is longer. So, in addition to the figures, the route itself can help you choose: a complete loop or a route to Yport with a return through the forest. Route details may be updated; check the current trail route before setting out.
Church, monument and history
Saint-Pierre Church dates from the 12th century. Its lantern tower is typical of the Norman tradition and lets light into the building. The church walls feature flint mosaics. In the churchyard stands a war memorial created in 1920, topped with a bronze figure of Victory.
Vaucottes also has a historic connection to the sea: in the Middle Ages, the hamlet was a harbour known as Port de Vaucoste, and it was incorporated into Vattetot in 1846. Vaucottes is home to Villa Marie-Louise, where Maurice Leblanc, creator of the adventures of Arsène Lupin, was a guest. The coastal landscape, hiking trails and architectural history thus offer different starting points for exploring the area.
Discover more destinations: Contremoulins, Saint-Léonard, Veulettes-Sur-Mer, Le Mesnil-Sous-Jumièges, Saint-Denis-Le-Thiboult, Saint-Aubin-Lès-Elbeuf, La Crique, Bures-En-Bray.
For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
