Phosphatière du Cloup d'Aural, Historical phosphate mine and archaeological site in Bach, France
Phosphatière du Cloup d'Aural is a former phosphate mine in a limestone area featuring a deep natural cavity. The site supports rare plant species including giant ferns and several orchid varieties thriving in its humid microclimate.
The site's history began in the 1800s when a local observer noticed unusual soil fertility and discovered phosphate deposits. Mining activity shaped the landscape for generations, leaving behind geological and archaeological layers.
The name reflects a local geographical feature, and visitors today encounter the layered evidence of human extraction alongside natural recovery. The space tells a story of how nature and industry have shaped each other over time.
Visits are conducted through organized guided tours that cover multiple areas of the site. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for damp conditions typical of this humid environment.
Buried beneath the surface lie remains of animals from an era when the region had a subtropical climate. These fossil discoveries reveal how dramatically different the environment once was and offer a window into deep time.
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