The Salignan mill, a former windmill that has lost its sails and conical roof, houses a small permanent geological exhibition on the division of time in geology and the Aptian stage.
Location: Apt
Site type: Cultural site – Museum,
Scenic viewpoint
Visit duration: 1 h30
The Salignan mill is situated on a hill composed of gray marl known geologically as the “Aptian marls.” Established in 1840 by Alcide d’Orbigny, the Aptian is one of the stages of the international stratigraphic scale. The site also offers a panoramic 360° view, stretching from the Luberon to Mont Ventoux.
Inside the mill, the exhibition explains how early geologists, through the study of rocks and fossils, gradually unraveled Earth’s history. It also details why Alcide Dessalines d’Orbigny chose Apt and its surroundings to define this new geological stage and how geologists have progressively developed, and continue to refine, the international geological time scale.
A stunning metal sculpture illustrates major episodes in Earth’s history, and a fossil collection provides a glimpse into the landscape of Apt during the Aptian period, roughly 125 to 113 million years ago.
Conservatory Orchard
The conservatory almond orchard, located on the plateau of the Salignan mill, contains over 40 varieties of almond trees. Established by the Park, its goal is to preserve and promote ancient varieties of fruit trees.
PLUS D'INFOS
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Visitez à proximité
> Le musée de géologie de la Maison du Parc, à Apt [4]
HORAIRES D'OUVERTURE
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Parking sur la piste montant sur la butte puis accès à pieds jusqu’au moulin.
Pas de visite libre de l’intérieur.
Visite guidée et gratuite les jeudis des mois de juillet et d’août.
CONTACTEZ-NOUS
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Service Géologie
Maison du Parc
60, place Jean Jaurès – 84400 Apt
> envoyer un mail [5]
> 04 90 04 42 00
Photo du bandeau : © David Tatin – BIOSPHOTO
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Photo du bandeau : © Prénom Nom