Porte d'Aval

Aval Cliff is a formation featuring a natural limestone arch and a needle-shaped rock in Normandy. The arch rises about 51 meters high, while the adjacent rock formation towers about 70 meters from the sea.

The cliffs formed over millions of years through erosion and water action on chalk layers. These geological processes created the distinctive rock formations visible along the Normandy coast today.

The cliffs have drawn artists like Claude Monet, who painted the white rocks under different light conditions. The view became an icon in art history and continues to attract visitors seeking the same perspective.

The site is best accessed at low tide, when pathways along the beach become exposed and safe routes emerge. The best time to visit is between April and October, when weather is more stable and conditions are more pleasant.

The rock formation looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea, while a sharp needle-like rock stands nearby like a silent sentinel. This imaginative resemblance makes the view specially memorable in the art world.

Location: France métropolitaine

Address: Étretat, France

GPS coordinates: 49.70724,0.19376

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28