Top 14 Natural Monuments around Marcoux
Natural monuments around Marcoux offer diverse geological formations and unique artistic installations within a natural landscape. The region, situated in France, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and river valleys. It provides opportunities to explore natural attractions that blend art with the environment. The area is part of the National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence, known for its geological features.
Best natural monuments around Marcoux
- The most popular natural monuments is Clue de Barles, a canyon that features an impressive gorge splitting the rock along a river. This natural monument offers spectacular views as the road opens up through the heart of the mountain.
- Another must-see spot is The Geological Slides of the Haute-Provence Nature Reserve, a natural monument offering a spectacular and varied environment. Visitors can expect magnificent descents and impressive geological formations.
- Visitors also love Sentinel of the Asse – Andy Goldsworthy, a man-made monument and natural monument. This distinctive construction is a work of land art by Andy Goldsworthy, forming part of an artistic itinerary that combines contemporary art with the natural landscape.
- Marcoux is known for its canyons, gorges, and unique land art installations. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, including geological sites and viewpoints.
- The natural monuments around Marcoux are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 8 photos shared.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Sentinel of the Asse – Andy Goldsworthy
Highlight • Monument
“It is the top of the cairn which brings the energy of the stone to its peak, just as it is in the keystone of an arch that all the energy is concentrated. »Andy Goldsworthy
Andy Goldsworthy's work and vision were the subject of a film entitled "Rivers and tides" which you can see here: dailymotion.com/video/x15e83f?playlist=x54l1y
or just the trailer: dailymotion.com/video/xjggqk?fbclid=IwAR2l_oUGJuU5sc5vLobLojCfRrBf3xa42fqjOKc-uL4DrOQomGKoypSHfWk
For more information on the “Refuge d’art” route: tourisme-alpes-haute-provence.com/refuge-art-andy-goldsworthy
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Clue de Barles
Highlight • Canyon
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Clues de Barles
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Terres Noires Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Les Robines (Black Marl Hills) – Réserve Naturelle Géologique de Haute-Provence
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Marcoux.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
It's a dream to ride through here. I recommend getting there early and starting at the Col du Fanget, so it's a constant descent. Breathtakingly beautiful!
0
0
What can I say? This trail section is simply magnificent. Breathtakingly beautiful. You definitely need solid riding skills and some experience on trails like this. The rocks aren't slippery, and the ground has plenty of grip. I can confirm it's S1. I love it here!
0
0
The canyon is something exceptional
12
0
Magnificent view of the Robines, slopes formed of black marl. These sedimentary rocks were found at the bottom of the seas in the secondary era. Later, the formation of mountains brought up its soils which shelter numerous fossils (ammonites, algae, plants).
1
0
At the bend of a hairpin bend, this egg is a work of Andy Goldsworthy. This is one of the three “Sentinels” of the Refuge d’Art course; it represents the Asse valley.
1
0
This strange construction which sits in one of the bends of the Col du Défens is in reality a work by Andy Goldsworthy, a major figure in land art. It is part of the route entitled “Refuge d’art” which offers a 150 kilometer hike, imagined and created by the British artist through the National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence. This artistic itinerary, original and unique in Europe, combining contemporary art, hiking and rural heritage, includes ten works scattered throughout the Dignois region. Among them, three ovoid stone cairns, designated as “Sentinels”, one for each of the three valleys of the Haute-Provence Geological Reserve. Besides this one which represents the Asse valley, you can find another sentinel in the Clue de Barles, at the edge of the road at the foot of the cliff, representing the Bès valley, and the third in the commune of Authon in the Vançon valley. “It is the top of the cairn which brings the energy of the stone to its peak, just as it is in the keystone of an arch that all the energy is concentrated. »Andy Goldsworthy Andy Goldsworthy's work and vision were the subject of a film entitled "Rivers and tides" which you can see here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15e83f?playlist=x54l1y or just the trailer: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjggqk?fbclid=IwAR2l_oUGJuU5sc5vLobLojCfRrBf3xa42fqjOKc-uL4DrOQomGKoypSHfWk For more information on the “Refuge d’art” route: https://www.tourisme-alpes-haute-provence.com/refuge-art-andy-goldsworthy/
3
1
In the hollow of a canyon that splits the rock, the road opens up spectacularly in the heart of the mountain along a bubbling river. Gorgeous !
2
0
The passage in the canyon as in the photos is not very long, but the whole road is great.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Marcoux?
The Marcoux region is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore impressive geological formations like the canyon of Clue de Barles, where the road dramatically opens through the heart of the mountain along a river. Another highlight is The Geological Slides of the Haute-Provence Nature Reserve, offering spectacular and varied environments with magnificent descents. The area is part of the National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence, known for its geological treasures.
Are there any natural monuments that combine art and nature in Marcoux?
Yes, the Sentinel of the Asse – Andy Goldsworthy is a distinctive work of land art integrated into the natural landscape. It's part of the 'Refuge d'art' route, a unique artistic itinerary in Europe that combines contemporary art, hiking, and rural heritage within the Dignois region.
What kind of historical or geological sites can I visit near Marcoux?
You can visit the Ichthyosaur Fossil – Réserve Naturelle Géologique de Haute-Provence, where you can observe the fossil of a marine reptile measuring over 4 meters and dating back 183 million years. The broader area around Digne-les-Bains is also famous for its ammonite slab and other geological points of interest.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Marcoux?
The Ichthyosaur Fossil – Réserve Naturelle Géologique de Haute-Provence is considered a family-friendly site, offering an engaging historical and geological experience for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region around Marcoux offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy trails like 'The ichthyosaur of La Robine'. For cyclists, there are challenging road cycling routes such as the ascent to Col du Pas de Bonnet, and demanding MTB trails like the 'Terres Noires Trail'.
Are there challenging trails for mountain biking near Marcoux's natural monuments?
Yes, the Terres Noires Trail is a superb and unforgettable mountain biking experience, known for its magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful sections. It requires solid riding skills and experience, rated as S1 difficulty.
What is the 'Refuge d'art' route and where can I find it?
The 'Refuge d'art' route is an extensive 150-kilometer hiking trail unique in Europe, combining contemporary art, hiking, and rural heritage. It features ten works scattered throughout the Dignois region within the National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence. The Sentinel of the Asse – Andy Goldsworthy is one of these works.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Marcoux?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views and impressive geological formations, particularly at Clue de Barles and The Geological Slides of the Haute-Provence Nature Reserve. The unique blend of art and nature at the Sentinel of the Asse – Andy Goldsworthy is also highly appreciated.
Can I find viewpoints with scenic vistas among the natural monuments?
Absolutely. Both Clue de Barles and The Geological Slides of the Haute-Provence Nature Reserve offer spectacular views and are noted as excellent viewpoints. The Col du Pas de Bonnet also provides scenic views of the surrounding natural environment.
What is the Col du Pas de Bonnet and is it suitable for cycling?
The Col du Pas de Bonnet is a mountain pass culminating at an altitude of 886 meters. It offers an engaging experience for cyclists, with a 7-kilometer climb from Digne-les-Bains. The initial section is the most challenging, with an average slope of 5.5% and brief segments reaching nearly 10%.
Are there any protected natural areas near Marcoux?
Yes, the region is part of the National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence, which is recognized for its remarkable natural beauty and geological treasures. Many of the natural monuments, including the Ichthyosaur Fossil site, are located within this reserve.
How long does it typically take to visit the natural monuments?
The duration of your visit can vary. A site like the Ichthyosaur Fossil might take a shorter time for observation, while exploring the canyons like Clue de Barles or engaging with the 'Refuge d'art' route, which includes the Sentinel of the Asse, could involve longer hikes or drives to fully appreciate the landscape and art.
Most popular routes around Marcoux
Most popular attractions around Marcoux
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Marcoux:
