At the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, this 4m long fossilized marine reptile, 107 million years old, lived during the age of the dinosaurs. It bears witness to a time when water covered the land.
Departure of the hike from the village of Chanolles.
Description
Discovered in 2000, this fossilized marine reptile is one of the last representatives of ichthyosaurs. It lived approximately 107 million years ago, during the Secondary Period, the time of the dinosaurs.
In Prads Haute-Bléone, between Chanolles and Chavailles, the Mélaie ichthyosaur bears witness to a time when water covered the region's land. The skeleton was discovered in the marl of the Lower Cretaceous period. Preserved on site, it is protected and managed by the National Geological Nature Reserve.
Younger than the Robine ichthyosaur, it is one of the last representatives of this family, which became extinct around 90 million years ago. The axis of the spine is easily recognizable with around thirty vertebrae. Marine currents, then erosion, are responsible for the disappearance of many parts of the skeleton, which is sorely lacking in skull and swimming paddles, with some vertebrae and ribs also having been dispersed. The site is closed in winter.
Comfort and amenities
Services
Rates / opening
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Free access.
Opening
All year round, every day.
Covered in winter.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.