La Mélaie's IchthyosaurNature Reserve

Melaie Ichthyosaur © M. Guiomar
Melaie Ichthyosaur © E. Mochalova
Melaie Ichthyosaur © M. Guiomar
Melaie Ichthyosaur © Tourist office Digne les Bains
Melaie Ichthyosaur © Tourist office Digne les Bains

Melaie Ichthyosaur
Melaie Ichthyosaur
Melaie Ichthyosaur
Melaie Ichthyosaur
Melaie Ichthyosaur
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