Fécamp is a fishing port with a palace and an abbey. Set in a gap between the high chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, it has long lived from the sea – especially cod fishing off Newfoundland – and from the famous Bénédictine liqueur. It is a more authentic, less crowded alternative to nearby Étretat.
Why visit Fécamp
Fécamp offers spectacular cliffs, a lively harbour, rich heritage and a pebble beach, with Étretat and its arches only a short drive away.
Top things to do in Fécamp
The Bénédictine Palace
The Palais Bénédictine, a fantastical late-19th-century building, houses a museum and the distillery of the Bénédictine liqueur, with tastings at the end of the visit.
The Abbey of the Holy Trinity
The Abbatiale de la Trinité is one of the longest churches in France and was an important pilgrimage site linked to the relic of the Precious Blood.
Cap Fagnet
Climb to Cap Fagnet above the town for huge views over the cliffs, the port and the sea, and visit the sailors’ chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Salut.
Les Pêcheries
Les Pêcheries museum, in a former fish-processing building on the quay, tells the story of Fécamp’s fishermen and of the town, with a panoramic terrace.
The beach and the coast
Walk along the pebble beach and the seafront, then follow the GR21 coastal path along the cliffs. Étretat is about 17 km away.
Best time to visit
May to September is ideal for walking and the seaside. The coast can be windy and cool all year.
Getting there and around
Trains reach Fécamp from Paris-Saint-Lazare via a change, in around 2 hours 30 minutes. The nearest airports are those of Paris and Deauville. A car is useful for exploring the Alabaster Coast.
What to eat
Fish and shellfish, herrings, scallops in season, Normandy cream and cheeses, and of course a glass of Bénédictine.
Travel tips
- Combine Fécamp and Étretat in one day.
- Check tide times before walking at the foot of the cliffs.
Fécamp FAQ
Is Fécamp worth visiting?
Yes – for its palace, its abbey and its cliffs, with fewer crowds than Étretat.
How far is Fécamp from Étretat?
About 17 km, around 20 minutes by car.
