Réserve naturelle géologique de Haute-Provence, National geological nature reserve in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
The Réserve naturelle géologique de Haute-Provence is a protected area with 18 different geological sites spread across southeastern France. The region displays fossils and rock formations that developed between the Verdon and Durance rivers.
The reserve was established in 1984 to protect geological evidence from 130 million years ago, when an ocean covered the Pre-Alps. In this ancient sea, giant ammonites lived and left their traces in the rock.
The reserve's name comes from its fossils: ammonites, belemnites and bivalves in the folded layers. At Castellane, the Maison Nature et Patrimoine traces 40 million years, when a warm sea held sirenians, the sea cows behind the mermaid myth. The Digne museum displays the La Robine ichthyosaur, buried 185 million years ago.
Marked paths lead visitors through various geological sites throughout the protected area. Collecting fossils without permission is forbidden everywhere, and it is wise to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
In Digne-les-Bains there is a famous ammonite layer with around 1,500 fossilized ammonites from the Early Jurassic. This layer is tilted at a 60-degree angle and shows clearly how Earth forces shaped and deformed the rock.
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