Mountains & trails · Étretat village — Falaise d’Aval — GR21 viewpoint — return — Falaise d’Amont
Walk the chalk arches above Étretat
Climb both sides of Étretat to see the Porte d’Aval, Aiguille and chalk coast shift shape across headlands, sea light and changing weather.
Start from the pebble beach with the arches at eye level, then climb west toward Falaise d'Aval as the Porte and freestanding Aiguille separate against the water. Follow a safe stretch of the GR21 before returning through town. The eastern ascent to Amont reverses the composition and sets the village inside its white cliffs.
The cliffs are actively eroding and rockfall is real: remain on marked paths, keep at least five metres from edges and obey closures around beaches, tunnels and caves. Wear grippy footwear, carry wind and rain layers and avoid cliff sections in storms or poor visibility. Begin early or late to reduce crowd pressure on narrow approaches.