France, Normandy - Etretat unique landscape

etretat is best known for its chalk cliffs, including three natural arches and a pointed formation called L'Aiguille or the Needle, which rises 70 metres above the sea.The Etretat Chalk Complex, as it is known, consists of a complex stratigraphy of Turonian and Coniacian chalks. Some of the cliffs are as high as 90 metres .
The cliffs steal the show at Etretat, thanks to their exceptional natural drama and aided by the fact that famous Impressionists painted them so memorably. Erosion has created extraordinary arches in the chalk either side of the resort. There's also an amazing needle-like structure, known in French as an Aiguille.
There is more to Etretat than the cliff formations and the thick pebble beach, though. The small resort behind is full of charm. Along with some extravagant hotels, the remarkable wooden covered market stands out. Le Clos Lupin, a typical old villa in town, conceals mysteries for visitors, while the churches around Etretat stand out more prominently.