Les Clues de Barles, a 300-million-year-old story

An integral part of the Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence and a veritable open-air museum, the Clues de Barles can be visited by car, motorcycle or bicycle, offering multiple ways to discover its geological and historical treasures.

The Clues de Barles were opened by the River Bès, in a limestone bar dating from the end of the Jurassic or the beginning of the Lower Cretaceous, i.e. between 155 and 140 million years ago. The river cut its way through the thick, vertical layers, taking advantage of the rock's fragility.
Nestled in the heart of Haute-Provence, they offer breathtaking scenery and exceptional geological wealth, making them a unique destination for nature and history lovers.

Several kilometers long, they attract thousands of curious visitors every year.

 

Treasures for geologists...

Numerous geological expeditions have been organized in the commune of Barles, world-famous for the diversity and complexity of its tectonic and sedimentary phenomena.

For hikers, the Clues de Barles offer a number of well-marked trails enabling you to explore fascinating landscapes at close quarters.

At the entrance to the clues, visitors are greeted by a stone sculpture, one of contemporary artist Andy Goldsworthy's "sentinels". This work is part of the Musée Gassendi's Art en Montagne "Land Art Collection" itinerary, marking the start of a series of unique geological and artistic curiosities.

Along the way, visitors can admire waterfalls such as Saut de la Pie, the Auzet carboniferous site, hydropithecae, the Esclangon velodrome with its fossil casts of animal footprints, and the Rocherousse sanctuary.

Remains of medieval fortifications and mule tracks bear witness to the strategic importance of this region over the centuries.

 

You can also discover the Clues de Barles by horse-drawn carriage. Horse-drawn carriage rides in the Clues de Barles can last 1 hour 20 minutes, 2 hours 30 minutes or the whole day. This activity must be booked at least 5 days in advance, for groups of 5 or more (excluding children under 5).
Half-day outing, with the option of picnicking and swimming in the Bès at lunchtime, at the foot of the Clue du Pérouré, with organic and local produce.
The carriage is accessible to people with reduced mobility (in wheelchairs) thanks to a ramp.

Tel.: 06 62 27 61 96

adadafamily@live.fr

Website: www.les-chevaux-de-roquepine.com

 

Barles Town Hall
04140 Barles

Tel.: 03 4 92 35 10 09

mairie.barles@orange.fr

https://www.tourisme-alpes-haute-provence.com/patrimoine-naturel/apidae-les-clues-de-barles-762863/

 

Translated with DeepL.com

(free version)

 

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