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An exceptional geology !
Beaujolais' geology is really complex with hundreds of rocks forming the territory!
These were formed during a 500-million-year-old geological history, and in many environments : volcanic archipelago, mountain massif, desert plain, coastline and coastal marine environment, shallow sea, etc.
500 millions years of history !
The geological diversity of Beaujolais is the outcome of a 500-million-year-old history and a serie of numerous geological phenomena. During these times hundreds of rocks have been formed and major tectonic movements have occurred.
The oldest rocks that constitute the "old substratum" of the Beaujolais which are essentially metamorphic, from magmatic or sedimentary rocks transformed (dating from nearly 500 Ma). It is on this very ancient basement that rests all the geological history of the Beaujolais territory.
Step 1 : 430 - 330 Mya
Step 2 : 330 - 290 Mya
Step 3 : 290 - 210 Mya
Step 4 : 200 - 100 Mya
Step 5 : 50 - 5 Mya
Step 6 : 5 Mya - Today
Famous throughout the world for its wines and vineyards, the Beaujolais is also a region shaped by man, who has reaped the benefits of the soil's diversity. Its past is literally written in stone: in the golden, red, white, grey or black rocks and stones that have visibly been put to good use in local construction. This remarkable geology has given rise to great diversity, not only in the landscapes and heritage, but also in terms of human activity, in the culture and traditions that form the identity of the Beaujolais region.
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