Falaises d'Étretat

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.

Iconic Cliffs of Étretat — Carte

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.

konjar.luka / CC-BY-SA

D

Porte d'Amont

The smallest of the three natural arches, located to the north of the town. The cliff top features the Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel and a monument dedicated to aviators Nungesser and Coli.

E

la Manneporte

The largest and most monumental of the Étretat arches, situated further west from the town. This massive formation was a recurring subject in Claude Monet’s landscape paintings during the 1880s.

F

Plateforme de vue sur les falaises d'Etretat / Porte d'Aval

An elevated observation point situated on the Amont cliff. It provides a direct panoramic view across the bay toward the Porte d'Aval arch and the Needle rock.