Les Mourres: A Geological Wonderland

Les Mourres de Forcalquier presents a landscape unlike any other, a collection of bizarre limestone concretions that invite the imagination to run wild. The name 'Mourres' itself, derived from the Provençal word for 'muzzle' or 'face,' hints at the whimsical shapes that resemble faces and figures scattered across the terrain. This geological park, located just north of Forcalquier, is the result of over 25 million years of geological activity. During the Oligocene epoch, the area was a shallow, marshy lake teeming with aquatic vegetation. Over time, the build-up of calcareous sediments and the growth of aquatic plants led to the formation of a soft, uniform limestone called Reillanne limestone. Within this marsh, harder calcite formed around the roots of dense aquatic plant colonies. As waters rose, these 'islands' of vegetation grew, with calcite accumulating in layers. When the waters receded due to the formation of the Alps, the exposed plain underwent erosion. The softer layers were washed away, leaving behind the more resistant, mushroom-like structures that define Les Mourres today. A visit to Les Mourres is a journey through time, offering insights into the region's geological past. The site is accessible year-round and features well-marked trails that wind through the rock formations. Interpretive panels along the trails provide information about the geological origins of the site, the efforts to protect it, and the unique plant and animal species that have adapted to this arid environment. The area is ideal for family outings, offering easy hiking and picnic spots. However, visitors are urged to stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile environment and prevent further erosion.