Étretat'n kalliot

Iconic Cliffs of Étretat

This collection highlights the dramatic geological formations of the Alabaster Coast in Normandy. The landscape features three natural arches—Porte d'Aval, Porte d'Amont, and the massive Manneporte—carved from white chalk by the English Channel. Central to the scenery is L'Aiguille, a 70-meter-high solitary needle rock. These formations inspired numerous Impressionist works by Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet. The area is accessible via the GR21 hiking trail, offering elevated views of the vertical cliffs and pebble beaches.

konjar.luka / CC-BY-SA

A

Cliffs of Etretat

Vertical white chalk walls extending along the Alabaster Coast, reaching heights of nearly 100 meters. The formations are accessible via coastal paths and offer panoramic views of the English Channel.

Ron de Lange / CC-BY-SA

B

Porte d'Aval

A natural flint-streaked chalk arch formed by wave action on the southern side of the town. It is famously described in literature as resembling an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea.

markasiet / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

L'Aiguille

A 70-meter-high solitary chalk needle rising directly from the sea. It serves as the primary setting for Maurice Leblanc’s mystery novel featuring the character Arsène Lupin.