Le synclinal du Mariet

Leave everything else behind as you explore a peaceful world of chalets and plains nestled in the heart of a vast limestone, forest-covered landscape. This easy walk can be done in all seasons, in the shade of the forest or with snow shoes.

The Mariet depression corresponds exactly to the surface of a folded layer of limestone (syncline). Whilst the 100 million-year-old limestone surface appears exposed on each side of this little plain, it is actually full of moraine - clay-rich glacial deposits that seal the bottom of this depression, allowing fertile plains to be formed. The geological layers found above this thick limestone layer have eroded over the years, separating the deposits of these rocks from the fold almost 20 million years ago. Access via the village of Arith and the hamlet of Montagny, until you arrive at the Mariet car park at the end of the tarmac road. Next, follow the off-road track for 1.1km. Once you have passed the escarpment indicating the Faille d'Arith passageway, follow directions for Mariet.