National Geologic Reserve of Luberon

The exceptional geological character of the Nature Reserve lies in its rich fossiliferous laminated lacustrine limestones that yielded a diversity of vertebrates (fishes, frogs, birds, and mammals with preserved skin outlines), perfectly preserved insects (beetles, flies…) and plants (leaves, wood, flowers…), jellyfish and shells of aquatic mollusks with original colors and ornamentations…

Fossil sites in the Luberon nature reserve yielded bones of primitive mammals (horses, elephants and gazelles) and remarquable marine invertebrate sites.

The Luberon Geologic Nature Reserve is one of the richest places in the world for mammal fossil footprints.

The Nature Reserve also include the grey marl outcrops around the town of Apt are another unusual landscape, and correspond to the historical stratotype of the Aptian stage (120 million years ago).

The rule common to all nature reserves is that their territory is neither to be destroyed nor to be changed. The National Geologic Nature Reserve of Luberon included 28 paleontological sites (399 hectares) and a large protected area (70.000 hectares). Extraction and collection of fossils and minerals are prohibited.

The Luberon Regional Nature Park was designated by the state to manage the Nature Reserve since 1988. The Park ensures the nature reserve missions by promoting scientific research, conservation, sustainable development and environmental education.

The Nature Reserve uses its geological and cultural heritage to develop public education programs and to rise tourist an resident awareness about Earth history. It also provides special opportunities for research and promote collaborations with scientists.