Les Falaises d’etretat

The Cliffs of Étretat are white chalk cliffs located on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, composed primarily of limestone and flint formed during the Late Cretaceous period. These cliffs can reach nearly 100 meters in height and are famous for their three distinct natural arches and the Aiguille d'Étretat, an iconic rocky peak. The main cliff areas are the Falaises d'Aval, with the most famous arch of Étretat and the adjacent Aiguille Creuse, and the Manneporte, the largest natural arch reaching between 82 and 85 meters. These formations are the result of millions of years of marine limestone deposits, accentuated by continuous erosion from wind, sea, frost, and marine organisms, regularly causing landslides that redefine their shape. The chalky rock is weakened by water infiltration and frost, while waves dig into the base, making the cliffs both majestic and fragile.