Seine-Maritime offers the spectacular Alabaster Coast, 130 km of white chalk cliffs reaching 120 metres in height. The Étretat cliffs, icons of Normandy, are permanently sculpted by tides with a 6 to 8 metre tidal range. At every high tide, the sea gnaws at the cliff base, triggering the collapses that created the world-famous arches and needle formations.
The port of Le Havre, France's largest for container traffic, and the historic ports of Fécamp and Dieppe depend on tides for their operations. The characteristic pebble beaches are deeply reshaped by each tidal cycle. Sea fishing from Dieppe and walks at the foot of the Étretat cliffs absolutely require checking tide times — the water rises against the cliff face and can trap unwary walkers.
