The Herault valley in Languedoc is a fascinating geological area. Lava flows, inversions, ice ages and millions of years have made this a paradise for fossil hunters.
Out walking the dog I see many areas of fossil strata – some in coal deposits not far from us, many just in lines across vineyards on our doorstep.
I will try to get some accurate maps sorted and find some references, but there does not seem to be much interest locally.
Some vineyards have a ‘row’ of fossils just lying on the ground. I have found a layer between two rows of vines where local medieval builders would collect them for rubble, putting tons of them into the walls of houses.
Other areas have ‘strata ‘, layers of rock and mud with millions of fossils in them – I pulled a handful out of the lose clay in a few minutes, the temptation to keep digging and find a huge dinosaur was almost irresistible
Strange, but I understood that “fossil” with the added prefix “old” was what my children called me. Then I saw your illustrations and seeing how old and wrinkley they were, all became clear.
I hope you enjoyed a very happy Easter and I wish you good fortune for the coming holiday season.
Yours, aye,
Michael
Have you ever found a good map with all fossil sites around the Herault and Aude provinces? I keep finding new sites myself, but would be easier if there were a map already. My goal is to make a fossil bike tour. Of course, carrying fossils on a bike might get heavy after a few days. I found this great site close to Ferrals-Les-Montagnes. The oldest fossils in France are found there, and they are trilobites as well!
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