We will never get tired of our little getaways to Normandy, especially in Étretat. Just a 3-hour drive from Paris, this famous Norman town is filled with breathtaking landscapes. We particularly love its towering white chalk cliffs that rise 90 meters high, shaped by marine erosion and stretching for several kilometers. However, this postcard-worthy panorama, which attracts around 1.5 million visitors each year, is gradually eroding and now poses a danger. To help minimize the risks, a municipal order now restricts access to the area.
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Drastic measures taken in response to «the fragility of the cliffs »
Between over-tourism and erosion linked to the tides, the cliffs of Étretat present a risk of landslides and fatal falls. To prevent any danger or accidents due to « instability, danger, and fragility of the cliffs » and the « retreat of the coastline », a municipal decree was issued on April 28, 2025, to strictly prohibit « strictly » access especially to the tunnels that run through the cliffs, at The Chamber of Young Ladies.> and at The Descent to the Cauldron. “ Access to the beaches in full width, along the entire municipal stretch ” is also prohibited, just like approaching to within five meters of the edge of the cliffs.
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A hefty fine for not following the new rules!
A tip, don't even think about breaking one of these rules, as it could cost you a lot! Fines can reach 135 €, and you might also face potential rescue fees. These can quickly add up to several thousand euros. “In some places, on 50 centimeters or a meter, there’s vegetation, but underneath, it’s hollow because the cliff has fallen, and people don’t realize it,” laments Bernard Le Damany, the deputy mayor, to AFP. Eight interventions by firefighters have already occurred since the beginning of 2025, according to France Bleu.
