The white cliffs of....Etretat?

Our next stop was one of the most picturesque stops we made during our trip to France. Yes, these cliffs are likened to the white, chalky cliffs of Dover, only they are found in the town of Etretat. The Falaises of Etretat are France’s version of white cliffs that, believe it or not, have also been made famous through many artists, Monet being one.

In this photo, Falaise d’Amont, topped by the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Garde.



Of course, the guidebook said how “pleasurable” the “pebble beaches” are – pebbles, my foot! These are rocks. Still, it did not diminish our enjoyment of the coast line and the fabulous scenery.





Rather than catching the few last meagre rays of sunlight as “beach-bums”, we chose to hike to the top of some of the cliffs for an absolutely spectacular view of the biggest arch of all, Falaise d'Aval. Also known as the elephant’s trunk.





Other views of the area.











L’Aquille, also known as "The Needle", is a 300-foot spike of rock jutting out of the sea just off the coast.



Sunset, followed by nightfall.