Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Plage de Mesnil-Val unfurls just west of Le Tréport, where the crowds thin and the coast belongs to dog-walkers and couples threading arm-in-arm against the wind. The beach is pebble, not sand, and the cliffs rise in chalky vertical striations, their faces streaked with rust from centuries of rain. At low tide, tide pools glisten among boulders, and you can walk nearly to the base of the falaises, your boots crunching through bladder wrack. Light here shifts by the hour. Mornings arrive grey and soft, the water mercury-flat; afternoons bring wind that whips spray off breaking waves. Late in the day the sun slants low from the west, igniting the cliff faces in tones of apricot and bone. You watch the horizon merge with the sea, a line so clean it could have been drawn with a ruler, while herring gulls settle onto the stones around you. There are no beach clubs, no parasol grids. A modest parking area, a footpath down, and you're there. Nearby Mesnil-Val village offers a boulangerie and a handful of gîtes, but this is not a resort. It's a working stretch of coastline where the tides govern and the wind never quite stops, and you come because the wildness feels earned.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Mesnil-Val.
Photos
Plage de Mesnil-Val is a pebble beach situated at the base of dramatic chalk cliffs along the Alabaster Coast. Swimming conditions vary with tides and weather, as the English Channel can bring strong currents. There are no lifeguards on duty, so exercise caution and check tide times before entering the water. The beach is unpatrolled, making it essential to stay alert to changing sea conditions. Families with young children should supervise closely. The pebbled shore means no sandy undertow, but proper water shoes are recommended for comfort.
Plage de Mesnil-Val offers year-round beauty, though each season brings distinct experiences. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather for beach activities, though expect more visitors. Spring and autumn deliver milder temperatures ideal for clifftop walks and photography, with dramatic skies enhancing the chalk cliffs. Winter offers solitude and striking seascapes, perfect for contemplative strolls. Sunset visits are particularly rewarding during summer months when the sun sets over the water, casting golden light on the white cliffs. Low tide reveals more beach area for exploration regardless of season.
Plage de Mesnil-Val is located approximately 5 kilometers southwest of Le Tréport in Seine-Maritime. By car, follow the D126 coastal road from Le Tréport toward Criel-sur-Mer; the beach is well-signposted. Free parking is available near the beach access point, though spaces can fill during summer weekends. The nearest train station is in Le Tréport, from where you can take a taxi or local bus. The beach requires descending steps or a sloped path to reach the shore from the clifftop parking area, so factor this into your visit.
The beach itself has limited on-site facilities, maintaining its tranquil, unspoiled character. A few seasonal beach huts may offer refreshments during summer, but services are minimal. The nearby village of Mesnil-Val has small restaurants and cafés within walking distance. For wider dining and lodging options, Le Tréport (5km away) offers numerous seafood restaurants, crêperies, hotels, and vacation rentals. Many visitors stay in Le Tréport or neighboring Mers-les-Bains and drive to Plage de Mesnil-Val for a quieter beach experience. Bring provisions if planning an extended visit.
Plage de Mesnil-Val sits along the Côte d'Albâtre (Alabaster Coast), famous for its striking white chalk cliffs similar to those at Étretat. These dramatic cliffs create a stunning natural backdrop, particularly photogenic during golden hour. The geological formations are part of the same chalk layer that forms England's White Cliffs of Dover across the Channel. Clifftop paths offer spectacular coastal views, though erosion means you should maintain safe distances from edges. The juxtaposition of white cliffs against the deep blue sea creates the scenic beauty that attracts photographers and nature lovers seeking a less-crowded alternative to busier beaches.
