Les falaises des Vaches Noires

The Vaches Noires cliffs are situated between Houlgate and Villers-sur-Mer. The name ‘Vaches Noires’ is said to derive from sailors’ slang. The large blocks of chalk on the seaweed-covered beach are said to resemble, when viewed from the sea, a herd of cows grazing at the foot of the cliffs.
Its geological and palaeontological richness makes it a site of major interest. The cliffs are also remarkable for their distinctive ‘badlands’ morphology, characterised by a succession of ravines and spurs.
From the beach, and throughout the year, the Villers-sur-Mer tourist office organises excursions to help visitors explore these exceptional cliffs. On the plateau, in Auberville, a 1.7 km circular walk will allow you to discover another aspect of the site’s natural beauty.