Hotel Hints

One of the best ways of enjoying the drama of the Alabaster Coast is to walk along the spectacular cliff-tops to Notre-Dame-du-Salut chapel. The path begins at the north end of the Fécamp promenade, rising quite precipitously up to Cap Fagnet. The views from here over the top, down across the town, out to the port and along the coast as far as Étretat are really stupendous and should not be missed. It makes a fine thing to do on a fine morning or at the end of the afternoon.

If one wishes to truly embrace the maritime culture, it is recommended to dine in one of the exquisite seafood restaurants along Quai Bérigny. One would certainly not be disappointed to look for a ‘plateau de fruits de mer’ - fresh, cold seafood – or try the local specialty herring (‘hareng’), served fresh, with a history in Fécamp’s fishing industry stretching over many centuries. Seriously, you should be eating it each time you come out there.

Visit to Palais Bénédictine is what’s best described as a cultural and culinary one. See if you can’t take in the beautiful architecture on one of the guided tours. Do it, and take the distillery and museum tours on the same day. Then go with a reservation for this cocktail workshop tasting experience in a private bar where you’ll be shown how to concoct two different cocktails that incorporate the famous Bénédictine liqueur. Just a very fun way to engage and taste more of the town’s most famous product.

Check the tide times. The pebble beach is stunning at any time in Fécamp, but at low tide, there is much exposed sand at the water's edge, making it much more walkable and perfect for families. Low tide brings out rock pools, always worth exploring. So easy, yet this bit of planning can dramatically enhance your experience of the beach.