Falaises d'Étretat

The chalk cliffs of Étretat form part of the Alabaster Coast in Normandy. The chalk was laid down some 95 to 70 million years ago from tiny marine organisms, and dark layers of flint run through it. The three rock arches, the Porte d'Aval, the Porte d'Amont and the largest, the Manneporte, which cannot be seen from the town, were shaped by erosion; some of the cliffs reach about 90 m in height. Wind, tides and frost make the coast retreat steadily, by around 20 cm a year on average according to one geological source. Since 2013 the area has been a member of the Grands Sites de France network.

From the town, coastal paths lead up onto both cliffs, the Aval side and the Amont side. Allow at least two hours for a walk with views. Light and crowds are usually better in the morning and late afternoon. Because of the risk of collapse, keep at least 5 m back from the edge, do not walk beneath the cliffs and stay on the paths.