GR 21 Voyage Tips and guide

The GR 21 is a coastal footpath in France, in the Grande Randonnée network.

This 186 km (116 mi) route takes in the entire Alabaster Coast, its glorious chalk cliffs and snug harbour towns. It tracks north-east from Le Havre to Le Tréport on the Norman/Picard border.

The trail begins in Le Havre.

Map of GR 21

After leaving Le Havre, the trail ascends to Montivilliers. The next part of the route is along the cliffs of the Pays de Caux; a notable sight is Étretat, which is known for its chalk formations. The trail goes through many resorts and villages and eventually leads to Le Tréport near Eu.

Le Havre - Rolleville

 19.4 km 4 hr 358 m

• 49.49610.11311 Le Havre — literally "The Harbour", Le Havre is Paris's port town.

Rolleville - Le Tilleul

 20.3 km 4 hr 257 m

Le Tilleul - Yport

 15.4 km 4 hr 466 m

• 49.70770.20362 Étretat — near many cliffs on the shoreline, this town inspired many of Claude Monet's paintings.

Yport - Saint-Pierre-en-Port

 21.7 km 5 hr 504 m

• 49.75590.38463 Fécamp — beach, port, and "Bénédictine Palace"

Saint-Pierre-en-Port - Paluel

 20.2 km 5 hr 375 m

• 49.8630.70874 Saint-Valery-en-Caux

Paluel - Veules-les-Roses

 20.2 km 4 hr 206 m

• 49.87440.7985 Veules-les-Roses — the location of ancient water mills

Veules-les-Roses - Quiberville

 14.4 km 3 hr 174 m

Quiberville - Dieppe

 21.5 km 5 hr 555 m

• 49.92551.0796 Dieppe — brick architecture, harbours, and many seafood restaurants

Dieppe - Criel-sur-Mer

 26.4 km 6 hr 668 m

Criel-sur-Mer - Le Tréport

 7.1 km 2 hr 169 m

• 50.05691.37067 Tréport — cliffs, fishing port, and seaside resort

Like other long-distance paths, the GR 21 lends itself to much shorter walks, with highlights around Étretat and Dieppe being especially popular.

• GR 223