We investigate the evolution of Bose-Einstein condensates: falling under gr
avity and bouncing off a mirror formed by a far-detuned sheet of light. Aft
er reflection, thee atomic density profile develops splitting and interfere
nce structures which depend on the drop height, on the strength of the ligh
t sheet, as well as on the initial mean field energy and size of the conden
sate. We compare experimental results with simulations of the Gross-Pitaevs
ki equation. A comparison with the behavior of bouncing thermal clouds allo
ws us to identify quantum features specific for condensates.