The Roches Noires beach is a remarkable site on the Normandy coast, located between Trouville-sur-Mer and Villerville (4km). It owes its name to the large dark boulders scattered along the beach, which come from the limestone layers of the cliff and have been covered by algae and lichens. Alternating between gentle slopes and vertical walls, and peaking at 60 meters in some places, the cliffs and this 135-hectare area are classified in part as a "sensitive natural area" by the Calvados department, as they are of paleontological and geological interest.
Indeed, the Black Rock cliffs are the result of the erosion of sedimentary layers deposited over 100 million years ago, during the Jurassic period, when Normandy was covered by a warm, shallow sea. You can see strata of different colors and textures, evidence of past climatic variations. Dinosaur fossils, shark teeth, marine crocodilians and many other marine species can also be found.
The Black Rocks beach is also a great place to discover the local flora and fauna. At low tide, you can explore the rocks and pools, home to crabs, shrimps, starfish, anemones, seaweed and many other species. At high tide, seabirds such as gulls, scoters and oystercatchers can be observed. The area is also frequented by migratory birds.
The plage des roches noires is an ideal place to recharge your batteries and take a stroll. It offers an exceptional panorama of the sea and the cliffs, which change color according to the light of day. It invites contemplation and curiosity, revealing the secrets of nature.
Since 2007, the syndicat mixte ?Calvados Littoral Espaces Naturels? has been managing the Trouville-sur-Mer/Villerville cliffs site, with the aim of preserving and restoring its natural heritage. A public park "with a natural character", the Parc des Graves, a descent to the sea and a network of paths have been created.
On the beach side, you can discover the site by walking along the seafront at low tide. Caution is advised to avoid being blocked at the foot of the cliffs by the rising tide, as the two main access points are at the extremities, at Trouville-sur-Mer and Villerville.