Santai-Santai di Paris: Where Do Parisians Go on Weekends?
Jawapannya: Normandy Beach, Mesti Pergi!
Part 2: Étretat, Memang Cantik!
Étretat is a small seaside town along the English Channel in the Normandy region of Northern France. If you are travelling to France, when you mention Étretat, people immediately think of the rock formations jutting out into the sea, forming amazing natural arches. Étretat is also famous as the hometown of many talented people, such as the writer Guy de Maupassant, or the residence of the writer Maurice Leblanc, the father of Arsène Lupin.
People in France say, "If you want to know how old people in France enjoy their retirement, go to Normandy." Here, you can find the peaceful serenity of the northern sea, characterised by white pebble beaches, very similar to the beaches in Nice, instead of white sand like many other places. The sea here isn't chaotic like the sea in the south. Even during the peak of the tourist season in France, you can still peacefully stroll along the coastline and lose yourself in the clouds without being disturbed. You will feel surprisingly relaxed here.
And the most beautiful part of Étretat is this: The natural rock formations jutting out into the sea, forming unique arches that the locals often call the "elephants of God."
There are a total of 3 main rock formations that make up the town's charm. Tourists come here to visit, and photographers come here to take pictures, all because of these 3 magnificent natural rock formations. They have become a source of inspiration for many works of art, from photography to painting, and even architecture or sculpture. In reality, Étretat in general, and the rock formations in particular, are more beautiful and majestic than any work of art because their beauty only truly reaches its peak when combined with the salty smell of the sea and the gentle breezes blowing through your hair.
Étretat is great for day picnics with its lush green and quite flat lawns. Be careful, you might fall asleep on those smooth green lawns and forget the time to go home. Best siesta ever!
The town centre of this coastal town is also quite beautiful and worth a visit, with many houses typical of the Normandy region. Norman architecture is a type of ancient Roman architecture developed by the Normans in the 11th and 12th centuries. These old wooden houses are called Colambages in French, and they are one of the unique things in Normandy. There are also several restaurants, souvenir shops and a casino.
The streets here are as peaceful as the sea. The population isn't large, creating a very close-knit village lifestyle that feels familiar. Feels like balik kampung!
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