Falaise d'Aval — Attraction in Metropolitan France

The famous cliffs. Of course this will be mostly the main reason one comes to this town. And it was the reason for our visit as well.

The north of France is lovely and has some great spots. This is one of these great spots. Just be prepared that you won't be the only one around when visiting. When we arrived - on a weekday during Covid-19 - it was packed. Like really really packed. No chance for a parking lot in town or even the big lot a bit outside of town. Parked it somewhere a bit uphill east of the town, just beside the street like many other french folks did (turned out well).

The cliffs and rock formations are indeed impressive Choose to walk up the cliffs on the left or on the right of the town and its beach. The more interesting formations though are on the left, the western side I'd say.

The stone beach is a nice place to have a quick rest and to get some really good views of the cliffs/formations. Swim, if you like and dare - because the water is cold, even in summer.

There's a narrow path leading up to the cliffs and to the formations. Also to some bigger viewing platforms. It is very narrow and difficult at times. Not difficult because it's a really tough hike. Because it's not so bad, even our English Bulldog managed to walk the whole way up and down again.

But it was so overflowing with visitors, that it was hard to pass by. Because some sections are so narrow that only one person fits. And now imagine folks going up AND going down...also the first section with the stairs are a bit difficult (and slippery).

But it's worth it. Bring a bit of time, a bit of patience. We've seen moody and rushing visitors. Dont' be one of them. If you visit a place like this, take your time. LOOK at the place and enjoy it. But one selfie and a post on social media seems to be enough for many. Too bad, you're missing out.

Once you made it to the top it gets easier. People are spreading out in the bigger and flatter area up there. Be sure to check out the different viewing spots and platforms. Careful if you're afraid of heights though and hold onto to your hats...it's windy at times.

The views are very rewarding. The cliffs and the formations amazing. Worth the - even though short - walk up here. You could continue your walk on the coastline up here further east. But calculate your time well - especially if your car is still in town.

All in all a great visit to Etretat. The town itself is the typical tourist fare. But the cliffs are worth several hours of drive. And: there are fascinating bunkers and war memorials around as well. Very interesting...

En/Ru^ The arch under the cliff on the left coast of Etretat is an interesting target for good swimmers! About 700m round-trip. I swam there from the left edge of the public beach, swam under it and swam back along the same route - 20-30 meters from the cliff, and cen't comeback to beach 😅. I got in the opposite direction (rip), with whom I fought for a long time (I didn’t know what it was then), did not budge and eventually called for help - the benefit is that people are kayaking nearby. What to look for if you decided to swim to the arch!!! :

1. do not touch the cliffs - the shell rock causes many small cuts (my toe in my blood was cut when I made such a stop);
2. not far from the arch there is a grotto in the cliff - an interesting place to see;
3. make sure that there is someone on the boat nearby;
4. if you get into a rip, then do not try to swim to the shore - swim parallel to it until you leave the rip, because it is usually no wider than 50m;
5. do not swim close to the rocks - if the waves are strong, you can easily break you on the rocks! In general, this is an extreme swimming 🏊, be careful 😉

Арка под утесом на левом побережье Этрета - интересная цель для хороших пловцов! Около 700м туда-обратно. Я поплыл туда от левого края общественного пляжа, проплыл под ней и поплыл обратно по тому же маршруту - в 20-30 метрах от утеса, и не доплыл 😅. Попал в обратное течение (рип), с которым долго боролся (не знал тогда, что это такое), не сдвинулся с места и в итоге позвал на помощь - благо рядом плавают люди на каяках. На что обратить внимание, если вплавь решили добраться до арки!:

1. не прикасайтесь к утесам - ракушечник наносит множество мелких порезов (у меня палец на ноге в кровь изрезался, когда я делал такую остановку);
2. недалеко от арки есть грот в утёсе - интересное место посмотреть;
3. подстрахуйтесь, чтобы рядом был кто-нибудь на лодке;
4. если попадёте в рип, то не пытайтесь плыть к берегу - плывите параллельно нему пока не выйдете из рипа, т.к. он обычно не шире 50м;
5. не подплывайте близко к скалам - если волны сильные, то легко могут разбить вас о скалы! В общем это экстремальное плавание 🏊, будьте...

It's impossible to miss this cliff, as the shingle beach bends around off to the southwest, with its natural arch and solitary needle. You will spy miniature figures climbing up the precarious steps and over the grassy slopes to a viewpoint down to the needle, or Aiguille, a 70m-high spire of chalk-white rock rising from the waves. You can join them, or also walk out to the arch at low tide (but watch you don't get caught by the water).

To reach the plateau above, take the steep footpath from the southwestern end of the beachfront. The arch was compared by French writer Maupassant to an elephant dipping its trunk in the sea; it's an apt comparison. You can also climb the Falaise d’Amont opposite for superb but distant views of the arch, made particularly memorable as...