Overview

• The Municipality of Étretat has enacted immediate bans on accessing the chalk cliffs and most beaches, with exceptions for the promenade beach.
• Tourists are restricted to staying at least five meters from cliff edges, with violations resulting in fines starting at €35 and potential rescue operation charges.
• The measures aim to prevent accidents caused by risky tourist behavior, such as taking selfies near cliff edges, and to mitigate hazards from ongoing coastal erosion.
• Fatal incidents and rockfalls have persisted despite earlier warnings, including a 2022 fire department campaign highlighting the dangers of the cliffs.
• Authorities have formally disclaimed liability for accidents resulting from violations of the new restrictions or climbing over barriers.