Etretat Cliffs, Chalk cliffs in Normandy, France
Étretat Cliffs are white chalk formations that rise steeply along the coast, shaped by centuries of wave erosion. They feature several distinctive natural arches and a standing rock needle that rises from the water, creating striking silhouettes visible from shore.
The cliffs formed millions of years ago from marine deposits and were later carved by waves into their present shapes. In the 19th century they attracted painters like Claude Monet, who captured how light shifted across the white rocks at different times of day.
The area gets its name from an old Norman family and continues to draw fishermen and artists who work among the cliffs and shores. The nearby harbor shows how deeply connected the community has always been to the sea.
Visitors can walk along marked paths on top of the cliffs or make their way down to the pebble beach below. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and it helps to watch the tide if you plan to walk along the water near the rocks.
The rock formations are constantly being reshaped by sea erosion, meaning visitors may notice different details each year they return. This ongoing change makes the landscape feel alive and reminds you of nature's slow but relentless power at work.
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