La Mélaie's IchthyosaurNature Reserve
© M. Guiomar
© E. Mochalova
© M. Guiomar
© Tourist office Digne les Bains
© Tourist office Digne les Bains
Located in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, this fossilized marine reptile 4m long, 107 million years old, lived in the secondary era, at the time of the dinosaurs. It bears witness to a time when water covered the land.
Description
In the shade of Cheval Blanc, the strata of black marl offer a lunar landscape. A shingle hut houses the fossil, alongside mountain flora and fauna. The crossing of La Mélaie is an original hike, taking both chamois and men's trails.
The hike starts from the village of Chanolles.
Labels & accessibility
- Circuits of France_POI
- Nature Reserve
Visit
Individual
- Unguided individual tours permanently
Comfort / services
- Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
Pricing
Free access.
Opening
All year.
Covered in winter.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Extra information
- Subject to favorable weather conditions
- Subject to snow conditions
Nearby
Ecocabane Terres du Vanson
Unusual accommodation
“Les Thermes” Art Refuge
Historic site and monument
Midday coffee
Restaurants