The cliffs of Lion-sur-Mer

Under the cliffs, absolutely at low tide.
Fossils, shells and crustaceans for the view,
The surf, the cry of the seagulls, the wind for the ears,
Seaweed, algae, seaweed and iodine for the smell,
Salt, but perhaps a few mussels, cockles or periwinkles for taste,
Pebbles, sand between our fingers or skipping across the water for touch.
It's up to you to find another meaning for your hike.

Details

2900541
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.01 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 11 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 11 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 9 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: -2 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Lion-sur-Mer (14780)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 49.302992° / W 0.318413°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1612OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Impasse des Falaises car park in Lion-sur-Mer.

(S/E) Start at the top of the sea wall for the view, then go down to the beach at the start of the cliffs.

(1) Turn right to reach the start of the cliffs.

(2) Begin crossing the cliffs, bearing in mind that they stretch for around 1.5 km.
For this crossing: Pay attention to the tide times, as the cliffs can only be crossed at low tide. Do not approach the cliffs as there is a risk of rockfalls. The safety limit is 10 to 15 m. You can cross at the water's edge by going around the rocks. Remember to wear waterproof shoes. Read the article in the Practical Information section.
Reach the end of the cliffs.

(3) Take the seafront dyke or walk across the end of the pontoon on the sand.

(4) Continue towards the Luc-sur-Mer clock, which is on the seawall at Rue de la Mer.

(5) Alternate between the seafront and the cliffs until you reach the crossroads at the end of the cliffs.

(3) Return to the coast at the Luc-sur-Mer jetty near the Brèche de Garde. You will come back to the beach junction you passed on the way out.

(1) Follow the same route as on the way there, taking the Passage de la Mer to reach the Impasse des Falaises car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Car park at Impasse des Falaises
  2. 1 : km 0.26 - alt. 2 m - Beach
  3. 2 : km 0.56 - alt. 0 m - Start of the cliff
  4. 3 : km 2.1 - alt. 0 m - End of the cliff
  5. 4 : km 2.46 - alt. -1 m - Luc-sur-Mer pier
  6. 5 : km 3.45 - alt. 3 m - Luc-sur-Mer clock
  7. S/E : km 7.01 - alt. 9 m - Car park at Impasse des Falaises

Notes

Public toilets and water point behind the Trianon cinema in Lion-sur-Mer
Public toilets and water point in the Maison de la Baleine in Luc-sur-Mer
Pleaseexercise caution with regard to this route. Read here

Worth a visit

(5) You can visit the Whale Garden in the Town Hall park by walking up Rue de la Mer for about 500 metres. The Whale House is on the left.
Luc-sur-Mer Town Hall Garden: see the whale skeleton and learn about its history, as well as the peacocks and other feathered and furry animals.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
User 17399513

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 08, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk along the shore, at the foot of a cliff. Please note: this route should only be taken at low tide, as parts of it are impassable at high tide.

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Patou_73
Patou_73

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk along the beach and cliffs.
The cliffs are not very impressive as they are not very high. Cut into small alcoves, they deserve their name of "confessionals".
The round trip can be done at low tide, provided you follow the recommendations of the hike's author.

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ggm
ggm

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

wait 3 hours after high tide to cross safely

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Acecombat5
Acecombat5

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

If you are looking for an easy and original coastal walk in the region, this is the one to do.
Be sure to do it at low tide, because even though there are escape routes, they are not everywhere, so there's no need to stress yourself out.
And you must return via the beach.
If possible, do it early in the morning or in the evening at sunset, when the light on the beach and cliffs (which are quite small) is at its most beautiful. You'll feel like you're alone in the world (especially in the morning!).

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michelmarieandree
michelmarieandree

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful coastal walk with cliffs typical of the region, best done at low tide or during the ebb tide.

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CLR14123
CLR14123
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Not really a hike. Not much to see, but a beautiful and pleasant walk by the sea where you can enjoy the maritime atmosphere and everything that goes with it. Once you've passed the few rocks, you can head towards the sand to make walking easier. Remember to check the tide times to avoid any surprises and finding yourself stuck by a rising tide, and wear shoes that can get wet. And for the brave ones, like us, who wanted to go further, delicious ice creams and waffles await you in Saint Aubin sur Mer!!!

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Briber14
Briber14

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful hike at the foot of the cliffs, but the return trip along the cycle path is much less enjoyable. A very pleasant experience to share.

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