Les Pénitents, Natural rock formation in Les Mées, France.
The 114-meter-high puddingstone cliffs extend for 2.5 kilometers, forming a continuous wall of cone-shaped rocks above the Durance Valley.
The erosion process shaped these geological formations over millions of years, creating distinctive patterns in the sedimentary rocks from Alpine debris.
Local inhabitants named these formations after monks due to their appearance, resembling hooded figures standing in a continuous line along the ridge.
A marked 4-kilometer hiking trail leads visitors around the formations, offering access to viewpoints and geological observation spots within 3.5 hours.
In 2019, heavy rainfall caused one of the rock formations to collapse onto three houses in the village, leading to structural reinforcement measures.
Location: Les Mées
Height: 114 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Made from material: puddingstone
Address: Les Pénitents, 04190 Les Mées, France 04190 Les Mées
GPS coordinates: 44.02730,5.98550
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
France contains notable geological formations from the chalk cliffs of Normandy to the limestone gorges of Provence. The landscape includes natural bridges, cliffs, canyons, and islands. The geological features range from white chalk cliffs in Étretat to the limestone plateau of Mont Aiguille.
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortresses, and natural areas. The region features geological formations like the Demoiselles Coiffées, French Riviera coastal landscapes, and alpine territories. Monasteries, castle ruins, and traditional villages display regional history. Natural landscapes include lavender fields and mountain passes.
Parc de centrales photovoltaïques de la Colle des Mées
2.2 km
Barrage de l'Escale
6.8 km
Église Saint-Donat de Montfort
5 km
Château de Château-Arnoux
7.6 km
Monument aux morts de Château-Arnoux
7.8 km
Château de Malijai
4 km
Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine
7.3 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Olivier
817 m
Hôtel de Crose
712 m
Prieuré Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens (Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban)
7.3 km
Église Saint-Roch de Peyruis
3.8 km
Portail Saint-Félix
716 m
Chapelle Saint-Roch de Peyruis
4.1 km
Église Sainte-Madeleine de Montfort
4.2 km
Extérieur du Prieuré de Ganagobie
7 km
Église Saint-Bernard de Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban
7.6 km
Monument to the 1851 Insurgency
805 m
Église Saint-Florent de Chénerilles
6.8 km
Maison en bois à portique, 3 rue de la Colline (Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban)
5.1 km
Monument to Louis Pasteur
826 m
Chapelle Saint-Roch des Mées
560 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Salette des Mées
457 m
Chapelle Saint-Jean de Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban
7 km
Chapelle Saint-Elzéar de Puimichel
6.4 km
Maison en bois à portique, 9 rue de la Colline
5.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Christol de Mirabeau
6.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Nicolas d'Augès
6.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Champlan
2.7 kmReviews
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