Réserve naturelle géologique de Haute-Provence

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 place is shaped by its geological past, which is presented in museums and visitor centers throughout the area. Visitors can see how nature and human exploration come together to make Earth's history understandable.

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.

Location: Barles

Location: Barrême

Location: Beynes

Location: Chaudon-Norante

Location: Clumanc

Location: Digne-les-Bains

Location: Entrages

Location: La Javie

Location: La Robine-sur-Galabre

Location: Hautes-Duyes

Location: Saint-Lions

Location: Senez

Location: Tartonne

Location: Aiglun

Location: Angles

Location: Archail

Location: Authon

Location: Auzet

Location: Barras

Location: Beaujeu

Location: Blieux

Location: Bras-d'Asse

Location: Le Brusquet

Location: Castellane

Location: Le Castellard-Mélan

Location: Le Chaffaut-Saint-Jurson

Location: Champtercier

Location: Châteauredon

Location: Draix

Location: Estoublon

Location: Lambruisse

Location: Majastres

Location: Mallemoisson

Location: Mézel

Location: Mirabeau

Location: Montclar

Location: Moriez

Location: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Location: La Palud-sur-Verdon

Location: Prads-Haute-Bléone

Location: Rougon

Location: Saint-André-les-Alpes

Location: Saint-Geniez

Location: Saint-Jacques

Location: Saint-Julien-d'Asse

Location: Selonnet

Location: Seyne

Location: Thoard

Location: Verdaches

Location: Vergons

Location: Le Vernet

Location: Marcoux

Location: Bargème

Location: Brenon

Location: Le Bourguet

Location: Châteauvieux

Location: Comps-sur-Artuby

Location: La Martre

Location: Trigance

Inception: 1984

GPS coordinates: 44.07806,6.30583

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43