Some moments in France keep etched in my reminiscence, and a kind of was in Étretat on the eve of Bastille Day. As fireworks (les feux d’artifice) burst into color above the dramatic white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast (Côte d’Albâtre) and mirrored over the English Channel, I simply stood there, taking all of it in as one burst after one other lit up the cliffs. Certain, it was a celebration of Bastille Day, however for me, it was a kind of experiences that completely captures why I really like travelling in France. This photograph holds that reminiscence, and on this put up, I’ll share why it stood out and what it meant to me.
1. Etretat: Fireworks Illuminating Alabaster Cliffs
At 11:00 pm on July 13, I anticipated the pre-Bastille Day fireworks in Étretat to gentle up the sky; what I didn’t anticipate was how fantastically they might illuminate the well-known alabaster cliffs. The bursts of color mirrored on the water and revealed the gorgeous silhouette of the Falaise d’Aval. The complete scene appeared to glow—the cliffs, the seashore, and even the gang watching in awe.
2. Theme: Sky, Cliffs, and Fireworks
That night, the sky was completely clear—superb circumstances for a fireworks present over the English Channel. Every burst of color lit up a unique a part of the cliffs, and for just a few seconds at a time, it felt like the entire shoreline was glowing.
3. Why I Selected This Photograph
I’ve all the time liked fireworks, and seeing them as a part of France’s Bastille Day (Fête Nationale, July 14) celebrations felt further particular. What made it much more significant is that my birthday occurs to fall on Bastille Day! It’s so significant to me that it turned the quilt picture of the photograph album I put collectively throughout Covid, chronicling my first 34 journeys to France.
At any time when I have a look at this photograph I’ve fond reminiscences of standing on the boardwalk at Etretat. I had simply completed dinner at a restaurant overlooking the seashore and the night festivities had been simply starting. Crowds had assembled on the seashore and boardwalk and though the present solely lasted about half-hour, it was really magical. Should you’re planning to be in Normandy throughout Bastille Day, take a look at my put up on: The place To See The Greatest Bastille Day Fireworks In Normandy.
4. From My Normandy Journey: Etretat Fireworks Spotlight
For years I’d seen images of Etretat’s cliffs and knew I needed to see them. Once I deliberate to spend every week in Normandy, I made Etretat my base to discover the area. It turned out to be the proper selection. You may learn a abstract in my journey report:
Journey #31: The Ardèche, Provence, Paris and Normandy.
Through 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 additionally took a ship trip alongside the coast, and made day journeys to close by villages and websites alongside the Cider Route. Highlights included:
- The Calvados Expertise in Calvados, the place I tasted Calvados and Pommeau
- Veules-les-Roses
- Fécamp and its Bénédictine Palace
- Yport
- Allouville – house to Le Chêne d’Allouville, mentioned to be the oldest oak tree in France (round 1,200 years outdated) and memorable for the 2 chapels constructed inside its trunk
- Yvetot – to see the stained glass at Eglise Saint-Pierre
- Lillebonne – to see the Roman amphitheatre
- Pont-Audemer
- Honfleur
Of all of the great experiences that week, the fireworks in Étretat had been the spotlight.
5. Why You Ought to Go to Etretat
If, like me, you’re drawn to dramatic surroundings, Étretat is the place to be. Whether or not you are available in July for the fireworks or to hike alongside the Alabaster Coast, you’ll discover loads to get pleasure from. Take time to discover close by villages, style native cider, Calvados, or Pommeau (learn this put up to search out out extra about Pommeau de Normandie-I can by no means resist a glass!), and admire the hanging cliffs that make this space so distinctive. Étretat really makes an excellent base for exploring Normandy.
This put up is a part of my France By way of My Lens collection, the place I share one photograph at a time from my travels. You may discover the total assortment right here: France By way of My Lens.
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