Ammonite slab

The Ammonite slab is a limestone surface containing embedded fossils of ancient marine creatures from the Early Jurassic period. The exposed rock displays hundreds of well-preserved specimens still arranged in their original positions, offering a direct window into a prehistoric ocean.

The fossils were discovered by chance in 1941 during road construction work and later studied systematically. The specimens date from a period when the region was covered by a tropical sea teeming with marine life.

This site is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Haute-Provence and draws school groups and nature lovers interested in the region's marine past. Visitors can engage directly with the fossils and understand how the area was once covered by ancient ocean.

An observation platform with accessible facilities provides clear views of the fossils embedded in the rock face. Morning visits or overcast days work best for viewing details, as direct sunlight can create glare on the limestone surface.

Some of the largest preserved specimens reach about 70 centimeters in diameter and belong to a species rarely found in such complete condition in the fossil record. This size and preservation quality allow scientists to study the internal shell structure without needing to remove them from the rock.

Location: Digne-les-Bains

GPS coordinates: 44.11947,6.23403

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09