Neck de Sceautres, Volcanic formation in Plateau du Coiron, Ardèche, France.
Neck de Sceautres is a cylindrical basalt column on the Plateau du Coiron with roughly 200 meters in diameter (656 feet) and rising about 540 meters (1,771 feet) above the surrounding limestone valley. The structure displays the distinctive shape created when lava hardened inside an ancient volcanic chimney.
A medieval castle once crowned the summit until 1972, when it was replaced by a statue of the Virgin Mary. This shift reflects a change in how the site has been used and valued over time.
This geological landmark plays a key role in how locals and visitors understand the volcanic character of the region. The basalt columns shape how people experience and talk about the landscape around them today.
Marked trails lead to the summit, offering views across other volcanic formations on the plateau. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip since the basalt surface can be slippery, especially after rain.
As the lava cooled slowly within the ancient volcanic pipe, it formed hexagonal basalt columns along the walls resembling organ pipes. This natural pattern results from how the rock contracts evenly as it cools, creating an unexpected geometric beauty.
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