Reining in the Thrill: Strict New Rules for Visiting Étretat's Perilous Cliffs
Frequently visited landmark by tourists for taking selfies
A heads up:Out-of-control selfie snapping and risky exploration have resulted in a series of unfortunate incidents at Étretat's famed chalk cliffs in Normandy, France. Authorities have set some new ground rules to put a halt to the chaos.
The majestic Étretat cliffs, a magnet for social media-savvy travelers, have become notorious for their allure that often leads to tourists putting themselves in harm's way. Now, officials are taking decisive action.
The small coastal town of Étretat is taking immediate steps to safeguard tourists from the constant danger posed by erosion that causes the cliffs to become increasingly unstable and risks falling rocks. Access restrictions have been imposed to avert deadly mishaps and rockfalls.
Behind Bars
Instagram-worthy shots come at a price. The cliffs surrounding Étretat have claimed their fair share of lives due to tourists venture too near the edge for the perfect selfie.
Under a new ordinance, visitors can only draw closer to the edge of the cliffs by up to five meters. The town refuses any responsibility if accidents occur due to the rules being disregarded or people ignoring the barriers and scaling them. Those who flout the rules are hit with a fine of at least 35 euros[1]. In addition, future rescue charges by fire department services will be levied against rule breakers, except in extreme instances.
In an earlier warning video published in 2022, the fire department highlighted the threats that both the cliffs' summit and base present to visitors. Despite such warnings, people continued to dangerously scramble over rocks to capture their dream snapshots[4].
Points to Remember:
- Adhere to the set boundaries and heed the safety warnings placed around the cliff edges to prevent accidents[1].
- Fine-dodgers can face fines starting at €35 for violating the regulations[1].
- alter walking paths and wear sturdy footwear as some sections of the cliff paths may be inaccessible due to safety concerns[2].
- Utilize designated parking spaces away from the cliffs and walk to the breathtaking vistas[2].
- Be prepared to pay entrance fees for nearby attractions such as the Jardins d’Étretat, which provide scenic cliff views while helping manage visitor flow and site upkeep[3].
In a nutshell, these regulations aim to alleviate the risk of accidents caused by tourists drawing too close to the cliff edges by enforcing fixed boundaries, imposing fines for rule-breaking, limiting access to certain paths, and encouraging use of designated parking areas[1][2][3]. Be smart, be safe, and capture those memorable moments without putting your life on the line!
Source: ntv.de, sba/dpa
- France
- Tourism Industry
- In light of the dangerous incidents at Étretat's chalk cliffs, the community has implemented a policy that includes vocational training for tourists on safety measures, aiming to educate them about the risks and promote a respectful lifestyle during travel.
- To ensure the well-being of visitors in Étretat, a comprehensive lifestyle guideline is now in place, encouraging follow-up on safety regulations during vocational training programs, as part of the effort to reduce accidents and promote responsible travel.
