Geopark Science Bulletin

The substratum hidden under the vineyards, meadows, villages and thousands of hectares of forest reveals an eventful geological history. We can see the diverse subsoil of Beaujolais in bends in the roads which cut into the hills, in the gorges in the heart of vineyards and in the abandoned quarries.


Although geological maps seem to provide an exhaustive understanding of the region, in reality they underline many uncertainties and even unknowns. The Beaujolais Geopark Science Bulletin has a role to play here. Its aim is to provide local science research with a means of disseminating new knowledge

about the geology of Beaujolais.


In 2018, the 'UNESCO Global Geopark' accreditation was awarded to the Beaujolais region in recognition of its unique geology, its associated heritage (notably buildings) and for its strong sense of recognition of these. The residents of the Beaujolais, however, have not waited for the creation of a Geopark of the same name in order to embrace the geology of Beaujolais. The local geology is on display everywhere, sometimes in an obvious way, but often more discreetly. Museums exhibit itsdiversity, winegrowers work with it, instructors talk about it on the trails and guides provide information about it at the natural viewpoints. The real asset of the Beaujolais Geopark lies in the familiar role the mineral world plays in this region. The newsletter takes on a second significance by providing scientific content for these numerous champions of knowledge about the region and its heritage.


Most of the articles for this first edition of the newsletter were written by members of the Science Committee. However, the newsletter is open to contributions from outside the committee. The publication also aims to inspire potential contributors to develop and publish their scientific work.