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Falaise d'Amont — Étretat
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Pristine Nature 📍 Étretat, France 128 views

Falaise d'Amont

The Falaise d’Amont is the cliff on the other side of the beach, to the right when looking out to sea, and less than a century ago it was called Falaise du Blanc-Trait (White Line Cliff), because of the whiteness of the chalk, visible from the open sea a great distance away. How...

Photo · Renata F.

Falaise d'Amont — Étretat, France.

Location
Étretat
Type
Pristine Nature
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About Falaise d'Amont

Falaise d'Amont - Étretat | Secret World Trip Planner

The Falaise d’Amont is the cliff on the other side of the beach, to the right when looking out to sea, and less than a century ago it was called Falaise du Blanc-Trait (White Line Cliff), because of the whiteness of the chalk, visible from the open sea a great distance away.

How can we not pay tribute to Maupassant‘s keen sense of observation, who in “Une vie” compares the Arche d’Amont (arch) to an elephant dipping its trunk in the sea? It’s all there: the trunk, the head and ears, the front and back limbs and even a Maharajah’s palanquin on its back!

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A perfect day in Étretat

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  1. 01
    Morning
    Falaise d'Amont
    📍 Étretat
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  2. 02
    Afternoon
    📍 0.3 km away
  3. 03
    Evening
    📍 0.4 km away

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Frequently Asked Questions

The cliff was formerly known as Falaise du Blanc-Trait (White Line Cliff) due to the brilliant whiteness of its chalk formations, which were visible from great distances out at sea. This distinctive white appearance made it a recognizable landmark for maritime navigation less than a century ago.
The Arche d'Amont is a natural arch formation within the Falaise d'Amont. French author Maupassant famously compared it to an elephant dipping its trunk in the sea, noting the resemblance to the trunk, head, ears, limbs, and even a Maharajah's palanquin on its back.
Falaise d'Amont is located on the right side of the beach when looking out toward the sea, positioned on the opposite side of the beach from other notable features. It stands as a prominent cliff formation marking this particular section of the coastline.
Guy de Maupassant's novel 'Une vie' features a memorable description of the Arche d'Amont, showcasing the author's keen observational skills through his imaginative comparison of the arch to an elephant. This literary reference has become an iconic way to appreciate and understand the natural landmark.
When visiting, observe the striking white chalk formations that make up the cliff and locate the distinctive Arche d'Amont arch formation. Try to see the arch as Maupassant did—as an elephant with its trunk reaching into the sea—to fully appreciate this natural wonder's unique character.

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