Park Naturel Regional du Luberon, France

This geopark is located in the Provence region in southern France and has an area of approximately 1,840 km². It became a member of the Global Geoparks Network in 2004. The geopark has interesting geological features. Brown hills with cliffs and ravines (dark red to golden yellow) are one of the most significant landscapes and have been protected since 2002. The grey mudstone hills surrounding the town of Apt are another extraordinary site. They were part of the Aptian stratotype described by Alcide d’Orbigny in 1840. Wonderful natural sites, such as the Oppedette and Véroncle Canyons, enrich the landscape diversity of the area. The exploitation of mineral resources (e.g., meteorites, lignite, clay and limestone) has made the area more distinctive, as evidenced by numerous quarries and factories.