Geological Origins (Millions of Years Ago)

Dolomite Formation:

The cirque’s striking rock pillars (up to 30 meters tall) were shaped over millions of years by the erosion of dolomite limestone, a process accelerated by wind and water. The result is a surreal "amphitheater" of 350 hectares, resembling a labyrinth of sculpted monoliths 111.
Ancient Namesake: The name Mourèze derives from the Occitan "Lou Mouré" ("the head" or "face"), referencing the anthropomorphic rock formations like The Sphinx and The Guardian.

Prehistoric and Ancient Human Presence

Early Inhabitants:

Evidence of human activity dates back 9,000 years, with Iron Age hill forts and caves found nearby. The area’s dolomite shelters likely served as seasonal camps for hunters.

Roman and Medieval Era:

While the cirque itself remained sparsely populated, the nearby village of Mourèze (established by the 12th century) grew around its Gothic Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church and a small castle, leveraging the natural defenses of the terrain.

he cirque’s official trail map warns hikers to "watch out for falling rocks… and falling jaws." Meanwhile, the village of Mourèze (population: ~220) proudly claims the title of "France’s smallest audience for nature’s grandest amphitheater"

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