Top 13 Natural Monuments around Criel-Sur-Mer
Best natural monuments around Criel-Sur-Mer are found along France's Alabaster Coast, characterized by dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. This region features towering chalk cliffs, verdant river valleys, and ecologically significant wetlands. Visitors can explore diverse natural sites, from coastal formations to inland havens, offering varied hiking Criel-Sur-Mer natural sites and scenic viewpoints. The area provides a range of Criel-Sur-Mer hiking terrain features for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best natural monuments around Criel-Sur-Mer
- The most popular natural monuments is La Cise Cliff, a natural monument that features stunning white chalk cliffs overlooking the Bay of Somme. These cliffs are composed of chalk and flint, with visible stratigraphic markers.
- Another must-see spot is White cliffs, an intermediate natural monument and viewpoint. These are among Europe's highest cliffs, reaching up to 106 meters at Mont-Joli Bois, offering a magnificent spectacle, especially at sunset.
- Visitors also love Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport, a viewpoint offering appreciation of the impressive chalk cliffs south of Tréport. This location provides panoramic views and is accessible via coastal trails.
- Criel-Sur-Mer is known for its towering chalk cliffs, serene river valleys, and unique salt meadows. These diverse natural monuments offer a wide range of experiences, from dramatic coastal vistas to important ecological wetlands.
- The natural monuments around Criel-Sur-Mer are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 150 upvotes and over 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
La Cise Cliff
Highlight • Natural Monument
Flint horizons are stratigraphic markers. On the cliffs of Ault, the regular flint band called Seven Sisters is recognizable and characterizes the boundary between the Middle Coniacian and the Upper Coniacian (around 87 million years ago). The boundary between the lower and middle Coniacian is marked by the Shoreham 2 marl level, which is more difficult to identify. These lithostratigraphic markings allow in particular the correlation of distant deposits, such as between the Normandy and Picardy coasts, or between the French and English coasts.
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Bois de Cise
Highlight • Forest
This coastal wood was originally a wild wood which became a place for hunting with hounds. Bois de Cise was then sold in the form of lots, by a visionary who would stop at no means.
Today, it is a charming vacation spot and stroll, best discovered on foot along the small paths and wooden stairs that line the site. Very pretty villas bear witness to the prosperous years before the First World War.
Like Victor Hugo in his time, don't forget to go to the panorama. Fantastic viewpoint where you can see the Baie de Somme estuary.
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Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport
Highlight • Viewpoint
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White cliffs
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Statue of Notre-Dame de la Falaise (Mers-les-Bains)
Highlight • Monument
The base of the statue of Mary is decorated with three images of saints, these are the patron saints of the surrounding towns:
+ Saint Martin for Mers-Les-Bains
+ Saint James for Le Treport
+ Saint Lawrence (of Dublin) for Eu.
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you don't have to take the cliff top path on the last stretch to Treport funicular
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Above the cliffs of Le Treport there is a great view over the city, the sea and the cliffs of Mers-les-Bains.
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A green setting in the heart of the cliffs, classified as a picturesque area since 1959. The Bois de Cise is an exceptional natural area, a small natural forest, originally wild and abandoned, which became a famous seaside resort during the Belle Époque under the leadership of a visionary who stopped at nothing. This coastal forest was originally a wild forest and a hunting ground in the Middle Ages. At the end of the 19th century, the Bois de Cise was sold off in lots on the initiative of a property developer and became a famous seaside resort of the Belle Époque. Today, it is a charming holiday and walking area that is best explored on foot via the narrow paths and wooden steps that crisscross the area. Very beautiful villas bear witness to the prosperous years before the First World War. Don't forget to go to the panorama, like Victor Hugo in his time, a fantastic viewpoint from which you can see the mouth of the Bay of Somme.
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The cliffs around the beach of Ault are composed of chalk from the Upper Cretaceous, more precisely from the Turonian and Coniacian (around 83 million years ago to 90 million years ago). They are strewn with flint nodules which highlight the subhorizontal stratification planes (the formation of flint has already been discussed in Discovery of the geology of the cliffs of Étretat, presentation of an excursion from the beach of Tilleul (Antifer) to the Porte d'Amont (Étretat Nord)). The relative proportion of chalk and flint is around 90-95% chalk to 5-10% flint. Flint horizons are stratigraphic markers. On the cliffs of Ault, the regular flint band called Seven Sisters is recognizable and characterizes the boundary between the Middle Coniacian and the Upper Coniacian (around 87 million years ago). The boundary between the lower and middle Coniacian is marked by the Shoreham 2 marl level, which is more difficult to identify. These lithostratigraphic markings allow in particular the correlation of distant deposits, such as between the Normandy and Picardy coasts, or between the French and English coasts.
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Beautiful chalk cliffs on the coastline
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent natural monuments to explore around Criel-sur-Mer?
Criel-sur-Mer is known for its dramatic coastal landscapes and rich biodiversity. Key natural monuments include the towering Chalk Cliffs, the verdant Yères Valley, the ecologically significant Salt Meadows, and the picturesque Bois de Cise. Specific highlights include La Cise Cliff, offering stunning views over the Bay of Somme, and the impressive White cliffs, which are among Europe's highest.
What kind of geological features can I expect to see at the natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Criel-sur-Mer are primarily characterized by their impressive chalk cliffs. These formations are composed of chalk and flint, with visible stratigraphic markers. For instance, the cliffs near La Cise Cliff show flint nodules highlighting subhorizontal stratification planes, and the regular flint band known as Seven Sisters marks specific geological boundaries.
Are there good viewpoints to appreciate the natural monuments?
Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. The White cliffs themselves provide magnificent spectacles, especially at sunset. Another popular spot is the Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport, which offers panoramic views of the impressive chalk cliffs south of Tréport. The Bois de Cise also provides fantastic panoramas, including views of the Baie de Somme estuary.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Criel-sur-Mer is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, particularly in the Yères Valley, which features trails like the GR 21, Mont Jolibois, and Sang-Roy loops. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Cliffs of Criel-sur-Mer Loop' or 'Yeres au Sept Meules – White cliffs loop from Criel-sur-Mer' which you can explore further in the Cycling around Criel-Sur-Mer guide. Running enthusiasts can also find trails such as the 'Saint-Aubin Church – Criel Beach loop' in the Running Trails around Criel-Sur-Mer guide.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in the area?
Yes, several natural sites are suitable for families. Mesnil-Val Beach and the Cliffs and Beach of Criel-sur-Mer are both categorized as family-friendly, offering pebble beaches at the foot of the cliffs. The Yères Valley also provides gentle walks through wetlands and meadows, suitable for a family outing to observe nature.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Criel-sur-Mer?
The natural monuments can be enjoyed throughout the year, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for hiking and exploring the coastal paths and valleys. Clear days provide the best panoramic views from the cliffs. Visiting during sunset is particularly recommended for the White cliffs, as they take on beautiful pink highlights.
Can I bring my dog to the trails and natural monuments?
While many outdoor areas in France are dog-friendly, specific regulations can vary by location, especially in protected natural sites like the Natura 2000 classified Salt Meadows. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially near cliffs for safety and to protect local wildlife. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets.
What kind of wildlife can be observed in the natural monuments?
The Yères Valley, with its wetlands and meadows, supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare species. The Salt Meadows, a classified Natura 2000 area, are crucial for safeguarding biodiversity and offer opportunities to observe diverse wildlife adapted to this unique land-sea blend. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in these wetland areas.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly natural sites to visit?
For easier access and less strenuous exploration, the beaches like Mesnil-Val Beach and the Cliffs and Beach of Criel-sur-Mer offer accessible areas to enjoy the coastal scenery. The Yères Valley also has numerous paths suitable for leisurely walks, providing a gentle introduction to the region's natural beauty.
How accessible are the natural monuments by public transport or car parking?
Access to the natural monuments primarily relies on car, with parking available near many key sites. For example, Mesnil-Val Beach is noted as being accessible via 'parking'. While public transport options might be limited directly to trailheads, local buses may connect to Criel-sur-Mer town, from where some sites are reachable on foot or by a short drive.
What makes the Yères Valley a significant natural monument?
The Yères Valley is a significant natural monument due to its unspoiled beauty and ecological importance. This verdant valley, through which the coastal river Yères flows, is characterized by wetlands and meadows. It supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare species, and serves as a natural flood reservoir, making it one of Normandy's most beautiful and natural valleys.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near the natural monuments?
Criel-sur-Mer town and nearby villages offer various cafes and restaurants where you can refresh yourself. While direct amenities might not be at every natural monument trailhead, you'll find options within a short drive or walk from the main coastal and valley access points. For example, the 'Saint-Aubin Church – Mesnil-Val Beach loop' cycling route starts from 'Le Resto de la Plage', indicating dining options near the coast.
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