Le Tréport - Ultimate One Day Guide in this Coastal Town of Normandy

Discover Le Tréport, a charming coastal town in Normandy. In this ultimate one-day guide, explore its dramatic cliffs, pebble beach, colourful harbour, and lively waterfront — the perfect mix of nature, history, and seaside atmosphere.

Le Tréport is a seaside town on the Normandy coast, near the border with Picardie, known for its fishing harbour, pebble beach, and dramatic chalk cliffs. Part of the Côte d’Albâtre, a striking 130 km stretch of chalk cliffs along the Normandy coast, the town enjoys a dramatic natural backdrop. I’ve visited since childhood, mostly on day trips from my parents’ home. The harbour is lively, with fishing boats and seafood stalls, while the funicular offers access from the waterfront up to the cliff tops for panoramic views of the town and the English Channel. Le Tréport combines a working harbour with its history as a traditional seaside resort.

In this post, I’ll take you on a walking tour of Le Tréport, from the busy waterfront up to the cliffside lookout, showing both the main sights and a few hidden spots. Along the way, we’ll visit the harbour, the fish market, the funicular, and the terraces with great views of the town and sea. Whether you’re here for a seafood meal, a walk along the promenade, or just to enjoy the dramatic coastline of the Côte d’Albâtre, this guide will help you make the most of a day in Le Tréport and experience its lively yet relaxed seaside charm.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Le Tréport is a coastal town in Normandy with around 5,600 residents. It’s known for its fishing harbour, pebble beach, and the striking white cliffs that rise above the town. At the harbour entrance, the historic lighthouse still watches over the shoreline, while the local maritime museum offers insight into Le Tréport’s fishing traditions and seafaring past. Today, the town combines its working-port character with the feel of a classic seaside resort, making it a popular spot for seafood, cliffside walks, and day trips from Paris or northern France.

HISTORY

Le Tréport’s history stretches back to the 11th century, when its strategic position on the Channel made it an important coastal settlement. For centuries, the town revolved around fishing and maritime trade, with cod, herring, and shellfish forming the backbone of its economy. Its location also made it vulnerable to invasions, including English raids during the Hundred Years’ War.

In the 19th century, Le Tréport’s role as a seaside resort began under the reign of Louis-Philippe, whose family regularly stayed in nearby Eu and popularized sea bathing. The trend attracted Parisian high society, who built villas along the seafront and enjoyed a fashionable coastal lifestyle until World War II. The cliffside funicular, still in operation today, was also constructed during this period, offering sweeping views of the harbour and coastline. The lighthouse, built in 1837, guided ships safely along the chalk cliffs and remains one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.

During World War II, Le Tréport suffered heavy bombing, and most of the villas were destroyed. Much of the town was rebuilt during the post-war Reconstruction period, resulting in the distinctive mid-20th-century architecture that now lines the seafront. Today, visitors can explore the harbour, the maritime museum, and the funicular, all of which highlight the town’s seafaring heritage. Le Tréport has grown alongside the neighbouring town of Mers-les-Bains, sharing a promenade, beach, and architectural style that reflects the region’s broader cultural and historical landscape.

GETTING THERE

Le Tréport is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Paris offering a comfortable and scenic journey of about 2.5 hours. This makes the train an excellent choice for travelers looking to relax and enjoy the French countryside along the way. If you’re coming from Amiens, the train ride is shorter, taking roughly 1 hour and providing a quick and convenient option. From Lille, trains also run regularly, with the journey lasting around 2.5 hours. The schedules generally accommodate both tourists and daily commuters, making it a reliable way to reach Le Tréport.

Regional buses serve Le Tréport and connect it with nearby cities and towns, offering a budget-friendly alternative to trains and cars. These bus services are particularly useful for local travel within the region. Since schedules and routes can vary, it’s best to check the latest timetables and ticket prices online before you travel to ensure a smooth trip. This option is great for those looking to explore the surrounding area without worrying about parking or driving.

Driving to Le Tréport gives you flexibility and the chance to explore the surrounding region at your own pace. The town is well-connected to major highways, making the drive straightforward. From Paris, it’s approximately 200 kilometers, typically taking between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. The route from Amiens is shorter — about 70 kilometers and roughly a 1-hour drive. From Lille, expect to cover around 180 kilometers in about 2 hours. Keep in mind that parking is available in Le Tréport, but it’s a good idea to check local parking regulations and fees ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.

PRACTICAL TIPS

The best time to visit Le Tréport is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the days are long. Summer brings a lively atmosphere along the harbour, cliffs, and promenade, making it ideal for strolling and enjoying local seafood. During this period, the town also hosts its popular Fête de la Mer, celebrating maritime heritage with music, seafood, and family-friendly activities. In addition, summer evenings often feature outdoor concerts and cultural events, while art exhibitions and local festivals add charm throughout the season. For those who prefer a quieter visit, spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, perfect for hiking along the cliffs and exploring the streets.

Le Tréport is ideal for a half-day or full-day visit, giving you enough time to explore the harbour, historic streets, and cliffside viewpoints. For a longer outing, you can easily combine your visit with nearby Mers-les-Bains to enjoy its colourful Belle-Époque villas and pebble beach, or venture further into the Baie de Somme region for scenic coastal walks and wildlife spotting. For more inspiration, check out my posts on Mers-les-Bains and the Baie de Somme.

Le Tréport is a great starting point for coastal walks, especially along the GR®21, which runs 190 km from Le Tréport to Le Havre and was once named France’s favourite hiking trail. The first section, from Le Tréport to Criel-sur-Mer, is about 10 km one way (2.5-3 hours), following the cliffs with spectacular views over the Channel and the beaches below. For those with more time, Le Tréport is also on the GR®120, a 300 km coastal route that links Bray-Dunes to Le Tréport, connecting Normandy with the Hauts-de-France coast. These trails make the town an ideal base for both short scenic walks and longer adventures.

WALKING TOUR

Start your day at Le Tréport’s harbour, the town’s lively maritime heart. Fishing boats and pleasure craft share the water, while cafés and small shops line the quay, offering a spot to pause for coffee or a snack. Take in the salty sea air and watch the fishermen at work, unloading the day’s catch. The harbour captures the essence of Le Tréport’s coastal life and sets the tone for exploring the town, from its historic streets to the cliffs that frame the coastline.

A short walk from the harbour, Le Tréport’s fish market is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience local life. Located at the end of the quay, the market features several stalls showcasing the day’s catch — from fresh fish like cod and herring to shellfish — creating a colourful and aromatic scene. Local fishermen’s wives continue the long-standing tradition of selling fish “bord à quai,” or directly by the water. The brick-and-stone building at the quay, dating back to at least 1850, offers a view of the lighthouse and adds to the market’s historic charm. As one of the last coastal towns in France to maintain a municipal fish market, it provides visitors with a genuine glimpse into Le Tréport’s maritime heritage and vibrant coastal culture.

| Opening hours |

from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

from 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. (closed on Tues.)

| Admission - free of charge |

Le Tréport’s lighthouse stands at the end of the town’s west pier, marking the entrance to the harbour and the canal from Eu to the sea. Built in 1844, the 13.5-metre-tall structure has guided ships safely along the coast for nearly two centuries. Historical records, including a painting of Queen Victoria’s visit to Le Tréport in 1843, suggest that a lighthouse already existed at this location before the current building. The lighthouse offers views of the harbour, cliffs, and the vast English Channel, making it a highlight of any coastal walk.

Next to the lighthouse, Le Tréport’s beach stretches along the rocky coastline at the foot of the famous chalk cliffs. About 120 colourful beach cabins line the shore, adding charm to the landscape. Stroll along the seaside promenade, breathe in the fresh sea air, and stop at one of the cafés with views of the cliffs and the English Channel. Whether you want to soak up the sun, take photos of the dramatic cliffs, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves, the beach is a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the harbour and lighthouse.

Le Tréport’s funicular connects the seaside with the cliff-top heights, providing an easy way to reach the elevated parts of town. Proposed around 1880 to support the town’s growing seaside tourism, construction began in 1907 and lasted 17 months, including two months of tunnelling. In 1908, it allowed guests of the Grand Hôtel Trianon to descend comfortably to the beach in wooden carriages, avoiding the 365-step climb down, which they would then have to make back up to the hotel. The funicular was later disrupted during World War II, briefly revived for a few seasons in the 1960s, and fully refurbished in 2006. Today, it offers stunning views of the harbour, town, and English Channel, combining practical transport with a historic experience that takes visitors to the cliff-top paths and viewpoints.

| Opening hours |

from 15 June to 15 September: daily from 7.45 to 00.45 a.m.

rest of the year: from 7.45 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.)

from 7.45 a.m. to 00.45 a.m. (Sat.) - from 7.45 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sun.) |

| Admission - free of charge |

Perched on the cliffs, Le Tréport’s town terrace offers panoramic views of the town, harbour, and the English Channel. From here, you can admire the dramatic Alabaster Coast cliffs, formed from layers of clay, marl, and chalk, stretching over 130 km, with some reaching up to 110 m high. The terrace is also a gateway to the GR® 21 trail, which runs along the coast from Le Tréport to Le Havre, making it a perfect spot for walkers and hikers. Whether you pause to take photos, enjoy the sea breeze, or start a coastal walk, the town terrace provides a clear sense of Le Tréport’s striking coastal setting.

Just below the cliffs, the Quartier des Cordiers — the “Rope Makers’ Quarter” — has existed since the 17th century. To reach it, you can descend either via the funicular or the 365 steps from the town terrace. The neighbourhood stretches across about fifteen parallel streets, with over 550 houses visible from the top of the funicular. Built on a bed of pebbles at the foot of the cliffs, it was home to generations of fishing families. Many residents were too poor to own nets, so they fished with simple lines and hooks baited with sea worms — a humble but vital way to make a living. Today, the area still retains its historic charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life of Le Tréport’s fishing community.

After exploring the Quartier des Cordiers, make your way down toward the historic Porte Voûtée, a 17th-century stone arch that once marked an entrance to the town. This charming archway frames the streets beyond, offering a glimpse of Le Tréport’s past. As you pass through, imagine the generations of townspeople and fishermen who walked this path, and take in the mix of historic charm and everyday life that continues here today. The Porte Voûtée links the elevated fishermen’s quarter with the heart of Le Tréport, creating a seamless connection between the cliffs and the town below.

Discover the historic Church Saint Jacques, a Gothic Revival landmark dating back to 1362. Severely damaged during the Hundred Years' War, it was restored in 1699 and today stands as an impressive structure. Its chequered façade, made of Caen stone and flint, features a Gothic tower, a Renaissance portal with a finely decorated tympanum, and striking hanging keystones, the tallest reaching 3.8 m. The church is not only an architectural gem but also a testament to Le Tréport’s enduring history.

| Opening hours - daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |

| Admission - free of charge |

FINAL THOUGHTS

Le Tréport is a town that blends coastal charm with a rich maritime history. From the lively fish market and views from the lighthouse to the cliffs and the funicular, there’s plenty to see and experience! The town terrace and cliffside walks offer stunning views of the town and the English Channel, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Whether you’re strolling along the promenade, exploring historic streets, or enjoying the harbour, Le Tréport is a memorable destination for a day trip or longer stay. For more seaside exploration, check out my posts on Mers-les-Bains, just next door, with its colourful villas, and the Baie de Somme, a breathtaking natural area rich in wildlife and coastal scenery.

Share your thoughts and tips for discovering Le Tréport. Leave your comments below, contributing to a lively exchange of travel insights and enriching the exploration of Le Tréport for our community.

Tags: France