The base of the cliffs of the Côte d'Albâtre (Alabaster Coast) faces the high tide twice a day. Whole sections of rocks hence regularly crumble into the sea below, and the pieces of flint tore off by the waves are then polished by the water. These same flints become the pebbles that cover the beaches and are of prime importance for seaside towns. They protect them from the risks of flooding by blocking the waves. It is strictly forbidden to pick them up, and a fine was established in 1975 in case of violation.