They are magnificent, but they can be dangerous. Since January 2022, the cliffs of Etretat (Saint-Maritime, in Normandy) have been the scene of three hiker falls, all fatal. While investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances of these accidents, they have one thing in common: the victims, aged between 24 and 62, were likely trying to take pictures of themselves on the edge of cliffs more than 90 meters high. Every time the man slipped and fell into the water.
A repetition that worries the local state authorities. The mayor of Saint-Juan-Bruneval, Francois Ober (different from the left), already expressed his concern in May of last year.It is urgent that we no longer be satisfied with our legal responsibility, but also consider our moral responsibility to the risks of this coast, which is also our local pride.he told 76actu.
According to the mayor of this town, which is about ten kilometers from Etretat, if caution is shown among tourists, the local political authorities should also inform the public about the risks.I really don’t think we can just say it’s the fault of the careless pedestrian.. […] A hiker does not have to discover the risks when he sets out on a path, whether it is at the top of a cliff or at the foot of a cliff, he must be able to recognize the danger before he commits.he argued.
Collective or individual responsibility?
Shortly after the third fatal fall, on Oct. 2, an elected official returned to the charge, suggesting that the Saint-Marine Department pull the walkway back several meters from the cliff’s edge and even install wooden barriers. poles connected by iron wires. A proposal rejected by Shai Mallet, co-chairman of the Étretat Demain association, committed to preserving its bay and coastline;It is a natural place that cannot be damaged. Blocking is prohibitedshe complains Figaro.
It is quite necessary for a young woman to encourage tourists to take responsibility.People are regularly exposed to many dangers. With any visit, there are common sense dos and don’ts“He adds, citing the regular occurrences of walkers getting stuck at low tide in the Trou à l’homme cave, which is cut into the rock;These circumstances often lead to the intervention of firefighters by fire engine or helicopter, which represents a significant human, material and financial cost to the community. The municipality is not the only one responsible for these facts.». “On the other hand, public authorities should inform visitors morehe concedes.
Environmental degradation
And time is running out. in addition to the inherent hazards of the terrain, its natural degradation can further increase the risk of accidents. “Landslides are another danger for walkers. They are becoming more and more frequent especially in winter due to temperature fluctuations. They also suffer from over-tourismclaims Shaï Mallet. The municipality of Etretat, which did not want to answer our questions, does face an influx of tourists attracted by its sea air and white chalk cliffs. The phenomenon grew even bigger with the release of the series Lupine In January 2021, where some scenes are shot near the famous cliffs.
This phenomenon is a real challenge for associations and the municipality.We should encourage tourists to come out of season and not only visit Etretat, but also its surroundings. It is a real tourism management strategy, and it should go through awareness campaigns on social networks. Then we would gain in securityhe concludes. Same story with Anne Marie Fournier, president of the Friends of Etretat, a centuries-old association made up of the city’s resident owners;It is necessary to strengthen the appeal of Étretat in winter. And in the summer, on busy days, it was necessary to set up a meter for 5,000 visitors, beyond which the village would be closed.” he hardened in early September Figaro. In any case, it should take a lot longer than the bans, then!
Source: Le Figaro
