UNESCO inscription: Chaîne des Puys - Faille de Limagne
2 July 2018 marks a historic milestone for the Puy-de-Dôme: the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne Fault join UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage list. This international recognition pays tribute to a rare natural site, shaped by the deep forces of the Earth, and of universal scientific value.
This listing is the fruit of several years' commitment by the Puy-de-Dôme department, whose ambition is to protect and enhance this natural jewel, while guaranteeing a high-quality welcome for visitors and respecting local life.
Chaîne des Puys - Faille de Limagne: a unique geological site listed by unesco
Situated in the heart of the Puy-de-Dôme region, this natural site stretches for around 30 km and features more than 80 volcanoes lined up along a 700-metre-high fault. This site is the only one in the world to illustrate so spectacularly the birth of a continental rift, a rare process that can eventually lead to the formation of an ocean. A veritable open book on the titanic forces that shape our planet.
The landscape shows three major stages in a geological phenomenon:
An asset for research and development in the region
UNESCO listing highlights the scientific importance of the site and encourages its preservation. It also enhances its appeal as a tourist, cultural and educational site, with a positive impact on local development.
UNESCO House: a space dedicated to promoting the site
To find out more about the site, the Chaîne des Puys - Faille de Limagne UNESCO House in Clermont Ferrand offers a presentation and information centre open to all.
