These magnificent cliffs are one of Normandy's most popular tourist spots. Carved out of the beautiful white limestone are 3 arches - Porte Aval, Porte Amont and Manneport with the needle of rock just off the Porte Aval made famous as the setting for the Arsene Lupin mystery The Hollow Needle by Maurice Leblanc. Many famous writers have found inspiration including Guy de Maupassant who described Porte Aval as looking like an elephant dipping its trunk in the water, and the Manneport as being large enough for a ship in full sails to pass through.
There are hiking trails to take you up to the top of the cliffs and a promenade along the beach. Why not stroll along the beach at low tide when you can see the 17th century oyster beds and the trou á la homme rock formation, said to have been created during a shipwreck in 1792 when locals could only stand by watching helplessly as the raging sea tossed the ship about. When the storm died down, a man was found in the hole, now known as trou á la homme, which today provides access to Jambourg beach. You can also enjoy the stunning spectacle of the cliffs at night when they are illuminated.
