The Luberon Geopark

Situated in Provence, next to Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon Geopark covers more than 1840 km². One of the major points of geological interest are the fossil deposits. Vertebrates, plants and animal footprints are exceptionally well preserved within the limestone plates. These Luberon landscapes are a very important part of the geo-diversity of this region. One of the most spectacular is the Ochre Massif. This is comprised of gullies and cliffs with colours ranging from dark red to gold yellow. Around the town of Apt one can find the grey hills, which is another unusual formation. Other noteworthy natural sites, contributing to this diversity, include gorges in Oppede and Veron.

The Luberon Park is one of 44 regional nature parks in France, with concerted efforts being made for sustainable development. The aim is to preserve and place value on the natural and cultural heritage of this region. The Luberon Park is also a member of the network of Biosphere Reserves (since 1996) and has a strong commitment to sustainable tourism evidenced by being a signatory of the European charter for sustainable tourism within protected areas and cooperation with local interested parties.

A geological nature reserve was created in 1987 to stop theft from several fossil sites, with a perimeter created over 27 of the areas constituting the Luberon. The focus of the Park is:

1. Protection of the fossil

2. Research

3. Educating the public through the on-site information panels, website and leaflets

4. Creating value in the cultural heritage of the Park

Through on-site trips, exhibitions, conferences and book, the general public will be better informed about the geological value of the Park. They also have animated features for school children. They also have training information for tour operators and teachers as well as setting up exhibition facilities in some of the local villages. Further projects are in progress, designed to enhance what is already in place and to increase the networking between all relevant parties, especially with tourism professionals.