The Daluis Gorges Regional Nature Reserve is the first designated nature reserve in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
It covers more than 1,000 hectares across the municipalities of Guillaumes and Daluis.
The gorges were carved by the Var River through wine-red rocks known as “pelites” dating back to the Permian period.
This spectacular gorge, over 900 meters long, has earned the area the nickname “Nice’s Colorado.”
The characteristic red rocks consist of volcanic ash and fine sediments deposited over 250 million years ago and having undergone varying degrees of iron oxidation.
Other remarkable geological features can also be found around the gorges: desiccation cracks, current ripples, or fossilized raindrop impacts.
The complex geological history of the “pelites” in this massif has resulted in the formation of multiple mineralizations in the form of veins within the rock.
These metal concentrations, all linked to the presence of copper, have revealed minerals unique in the world.
The gorges’ unique rock substrate, the elevation gradient, and the site’s location at the intersection of several vegetation zones explain the great floral diversity of the Daluis Gorges.
At least three plant species protected at the national level and ten species.
At least three plant species protected at the national level and ten species of heritage interest (rare, limited-range, or endemic species). A true symbol of this rock-dwelling flora, the narrow-leaved saxifrage adorns the cliffs in late spring with its magnificent clusters of white flowers.
The presence of natural or artificial cavities (mines, cellars, tunnels, etc.) is very attractive to bats, which also find suitable hunting grounds nearby.
There are 25 species of bats on the associated Natura 2000 site, including the lesser horseshoe bat.
As for birdlife, in addition to its value as a winter refuge for rock partridges and black grouse, the gorges are home to cliff-dwelling species such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, short-toed eagle, European eagle owl, and wallcreeper.
The gorges are also home to several endemic species, notably snails and a small amphibian, Strinati’s spelerpes, at the northwestern edge of its range.
Office de Tourisme :
Tél. : 04 84 32 04 04
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