Classification : Inventoried geosite (IRPG ARA), Sensitive natural area
Managing organization : Department of the Ardèche, SNA department
Presentation :
The La Voulte-sur-Rhône site is recognized for the mineralization of the soft parts of animals in this bathyal paleo-environment 165 million years ago.
Since the late 1970s and until 2002, Bernard Riou has carried out numerous excavations on the site. The paleontologist discovered there in 1982 the oldest known octopus in the world but also many other witnesses of this marine environment. For half a day or a day, it takes you to explore the site, today classified as sensitive natural areas in the Ardèche.
Scientific or educational interests :
- quarrying
- uses of diatomite
- field fossil search
- phreatomagmatic volcanism of the Coiron
- Upper Miocene paleo-environment
Thematic keywords : mining (old galleries), paleontology,
Keywords typology of sites : sedimentary outcrop, old iron mine
Access modalities :
- unaccompanied access : email service SNA, Department
- access with guide to the Ardèche Museum : e-mail to the Ardèche Museum
Possible support