Dangerous Selfie Spot: Étretat's Cliffs Close to Tourists for Safety
Frequented selfie locale by tourists
The breathtaking chalk cliffs of Étretat, Normandy, are Instagram-famous and frequented by millions. Despite their popularity, these cliffs have become a hazard due to ongoing erosion and tourist misadventures. As a result, authorities are cracking down.
Get ready for some changes if you plan a visit to Étretat's iconic chalk cliffs. In response to the increasing dangers from erosion and risky tourist behavior, the Normandy seaside town has imposed a series of strict measures.
Tightened Safety Rules
The beachcombers and thrill-seekers on Instagram must now tone down their antics. Authorities have prohibited tourists from walking near the famous rock arches beneath the cliffs' peaks and entering large parts of the beaches[1]. The only exception is the beach along the Étretat promenade. Access to three prominent rock formations has also been off-limits[1].
Violators will face a minimum fine of 35 euros for disregarding these new rules. If people choose to disregard the regulations or climb over barriers, the municipality will not be responsible for any accidents or mishaps[1]. Rescue operations will no longer be free; the fire department will charge for them in most cases except in severe emergencies[1].
Warnings Ignored
Tourists have ignored warnings about the cliff's dangers for too long. Annual visits reach nearly 1.5 million, and several fatal accidents have occurred when tourists took reckless selfies or photographs near the cliff edges[1].
The fire department previously released a warning video in 2022 about the risks inherent in the cliffs, both at their top and base[1]. Despite these warnings, people continue to take unnecessary risks to capture perfect photos on the rocky terrain.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- sba/dpa
Focus: France, Tourism Industry
- Access restrictions now limit tourist exploration around the iconic natural rock formations and beaches at Étretat's chalk cliffs, aiming to prevent accidents and fatalities resulting from proximity to unstable and eroding cliff edges.
- Fines starting at 35 euros will be imposed on those who violate the restrictions. Rescue operations for individuals injured or trapped due to non-compliance will be charged, except in severe cases.
- The measures are in response to numerous fatal accidents caused by tourists venturing too close to the cliffs while taking photographs or selfies. Erosion of the coast has also increased the zones' hazard level.
The newly enforced community policy at Étretat's chalk cliffs includes restrictions on access to specific areas, such as the beaches and rock formations, to ensure safety and prevent accidents caused by dangerous lifestyle choices, like taking selfies at the cliff edges. Infractions will result in a minimum fine of 35 euros, and rescue operations will no longer be free if individuals persist in disregarding the vocational training provided on the risks associated with the cliffs.
