Top 18 Natural Monuments around Mers-Les-Bains
Best natural monuments around Mers-Les-Bains are characterized by dramatic coastal features. The town is situated on the English Channel, known for its white chalk cliffs and pebble beach. These geological formations define the local landscape, offering views and opportunities for exploration. The area is part of the larger Alabaster Coast, recognized for its high cliffs.
Best natural monuments around Mers-Les-Bains
- The most popular natural monuments is La Cise Cliff, a natural monument where cliffs are composed of chalk from…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Ault Chalk Cliffs
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La Cise Cliff
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Bois de Cise
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Cliffs of Ault
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Even if the city has lost its splendor, the site is impressive, because to the north, the plain of …
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Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport
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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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The cliffs are made of chalk and are impressive to look at.
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Here in Ault begin the chalk cliffs, which stretch all the way to Normandy and repeatedly appear as enormous cliffs.
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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most striking natural features in Mers-les-Bains?
Mers-les-Bains is renowned for its dramatic white chalk cliffs, which form a stunning backdrop to the town, and its unique pebble beach. These features define the local landscape, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for exploration.
Are there specific natural monuments known for their geological significance?
Yes, the cliffs around Mers-les-Bains are geologically significant. For example, La Cise Cliff is composed of chalk from the Upper Cretaceous period, specifically from the Turonian and Coniacian ages (around 83 to 90 million years ago). These cliffs are interspersed with flint nodules that highlight their subhorizontal stratification, including the recognizable 'Seven Sisters' flint band.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments in the area?
The natural monuments offer panoramic views. From the clifftops, you can see Mers-les-Bains, its beach, the neighboring town of Le Tréport and its outer harbor. On clear days, the distant Baie de Somme can also be seen. The Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport is particularly noted for appreciating the impressive chalk cliffs.
Are there any family-friendly activities at the natural monuments?
Yes, the Mers-les-Bains Beach is ideal for families, especially at low tide when it transforms into a vast expanse of sand revealing rock pools teeming with marine life. It's a popular spot for beach games and searching for shells. The long pedestrian esplanade bordering the beach is also perfect for walks.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy scenic walks along the clifftops, such as the Coastal Path (Sentier du Littoral). For more structured activities, there are numerous routes for running, cycling, and gravel biking. You can find detailed guides for running trails, cycling routes, and gravel biking around Mers-les-Bains.
Are there specific hiking trails along the cliffs?
Yes, the clifftops provide exceptional scenic walks. The Coastal Path (Sentier du Littoral) stretches from Mers-les-Bains to Ault, offering invigorating sea air and stunning vistas. A notable hike is along La Cise Cliff, which offers a scenic and exhilarating experience from the village of Ault, leading to the Bois de Cise.
What is unique about the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1112389" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ault Chalk Cliffs</a>?
The Ault Chalk Cliffs mark the edge of the Normandy Alabaster Coast and are known for their impressive scale. They are made of chalk and offer significant views, with the plain of the Bay of Somme extending to the north and the cliffs reaching towards Le Havre to the west.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments in Mers-les-Bains?
The clifftops and beach are particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset, offering stunning light conditions. The dual character of the beach, with pebbles at high tide and sand at low tide, caters to different preferences throughout the day. Summer brings a vibrant atmosphere with activities and beach huts.
Are there any particularly high cliffs to see?
Yes, the white cliffs near Criel Plage, often referred to as White cliffs, are among the highest in Europe, reaching up to 106 meters. These impressive geological formations are located on the Côte d'Albâtre and offer a magnificent spectacle, especially at sunset.
What kind of wildlife can be observed near the natural monuments?
The cliffs are classified as a ZNIEFF protected area, emphasizing their ecological importance. The rock pools on Mers-les-Bains Beach at low tide are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts to explore.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Mers-les-Bains?
Visitors frequently appreciate the dramatic coastal scenery, the invigorating sea air, and the unique geological formations. The opportunity for scenic walks along the clifftops and exploring the beach's rock pools are also highly valued experiences.
Is there a specific landmark on the clifftops?
Yes, the statue of Notre-Dame de la Falaise, standing 7 meters high since 1878, adorns the clifftop. It overlooks the resort and was historically a landmark for aviation, oriented towards the sea to protect seafarers and fishermen.
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