Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux

Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux is a limestone blockfield spanning about 120 hectares in Aveyron, with a complicated landscape of rocky cliffs and deep valleys created by erosion over time. The dolomitic rocks display a wide range of shapes and passages, with some formations rising dramatically while others create narrow corridors and hidden spaces.

The landscape formed during the Jurassic period millions of years ago when this region was covered by an ancient sea that left behind dolomitic deposits. After the sea retreated, water and frost gradually broke apart and reshaped the rocks, carving out the intricate formations seen today.

Local names for rock formations reflect how people have long interpreted the shapes as familiar figures and structures. Walking through the site, you can see how these stories have become part of how visitors experience and remember the place.

The site has several marked trails of varying difficulty, and maps are available at the entrance along with information about current conditions. Good footwear is essential as paths are uneven and rocky, with some areas potentially slippery especially after rain.

The Arc de Triomphe rock formation is a natural arch that resembles a man-made monument, demonstrating extreme erosion patterns in the dolomite landscape. This uncommon structure resulted from millions of years of water and frost working through the stone in just the right way.