Etretat, France

On the way back from Honfleur to Paris, we stopped at Etretat, which is best known for its alabaster cliffs.  By some trick of nature (I imagine erosion from the waves), arches have been carved into the rock.  The cliffs have inspired such artists as Claude Monet.  To me though, they really do look like they are being supported by flying buttresses that jut out from the ocean.  We only had a few minutes to stare at these wonders of nature, as the sun was setting.  But it was definitely worth the trek to see them.

The town of Etretat itself, though quite small and touristy, has its own charms.  I especially liked three wooden buildings, depicted below, that appeared to be several hundred years old.