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A paleontological trail
Inaugurated on May 24, 2018, I could not spend this summer without going to discover the Sansan paleosite. Having lived for almost 6 years in Dordogne, in the Vézère valley, a mecca of prehistory (Lascaux, etc.), and having since developed a passion for archeology, I took advantage of a day off to discover this new trail of discovery.
Sansan? Where is it ?
Sansan is a small town, located in south of Auch 20 minutes by car (direction Lannemezan - D929). It is a very small village on the left of the departmental road. To reach the start of the trail, you have to cross the village and follow the signs to a small church where you can park. This is the starting point.
The course is not very long (3 km) and, in dry weather, simple sneakers will suffice. Note, however, that the path is a little steep at the end, and that it will take some effort to go and admire the view of the countryside. For my part, I had to spend 1h30 to do the whole route. Remember to take water (and taste it)!
A meeting: Edouard Lartet
Edouard Lartet is one of pioneers of paleontology in the world. The discoveries he made in Sansan in the first half of the 18th century revolutionized this brand new science which saw different schools clashing at a time when Darwin had not yet published his famous theory of evolution!
Native of Castelnau-Barbarens, a small village (to discover) a few kilometers away, Edouard Lartet was a lawyer in Auch when he discovered the Sansan fossil deposit and understood its importance.
It is therefore in the footsteps of this man of science that the path takes us to discover the Pliopithecus (a small monkey) and a mastodon : Archéobélodon (a distant cousin of our elephants with 4 tusks!).
Archaeobelodon
The production of the skeleton of Archeobelodon, one of the "star" fossils of the site, has arrived at 2021 spring.
About ten panels
The path is fitted out with a dozen panels offering texts, small quizzes, fossil casts, etc. Without lying, I think I have read everything! We learn who Edouard Lartet was as well as the scientific context in which he acted. We discover the importance of this site, considered a benchmark worldwide. We are told how fossils are formed and what plants and animals have been discovered in Sansan (more than a hundred).
New in 2022! A modern-day treasure hunt, theOutdoor Escape Game (from 10 years old): Walk the top of the paleosite hill in search of clues in less than 60 minutes. Information and booking at the Tourist Office on 05 62 66 12 22.
And also for the visit in in family
The Masseube Val de Gers tourist office offers two game booklets for children (one for 6/11 year olds and one for 11/15 year olds). Generally speaking, I think that children from 7 8-years will enjoy the ride.
LEARN MORE
Guided tours for groups by reservation on 05 62 66 12 22.
Fees : € 4 for adults and € 2 for children. Departure from Sansan church.
website : www.paleosite-sansan.com
