Alabaster Cliffs, Etretat, Normandy, France

The White Cliffs of Dover are very well known and a prominent feature of the English Channel. Probably less well known are the white cliffs of Normandy, across the Channel.  This Côte d’Albâtre or Alabaster Coast stretches 120 km and is formed of white chalk cliffs and pebble beaches. The White Cliffs of Dover stretch for 8 miles (13 km) and the chalk cliffs reach up to 110 m high. Both sets of cliffs belong to the same geological system. 

The Alabaster Cliffs are probably best seen from the town of Etretat in Normandy. This is north of Le Havre. There are pillars and sea arches. I first went there in 1985 and again in 2022. 

Looking north at the Falaise d’Amont (Upstream Cliff) with the arch Porte d’Amont. On top of the hill is the Chappelle Notre-Dame de la Garde -

Looking south, the Falaise d’Aval (Downstream Cliff) with the  70 m high Aiguille, or needle.

The French impressionist painters Claude Monet painted here in 1885 -

Both arches look like elephants trunks dipping into the water.

Etretat is also known for the old fishing boats covered with thatch, caloges. They are now used as bars in the summer. 

And a 1985 view