La Fontaine pétrifiante de Réotier

The petrifying fountain of Réotier, in the Hautes-Alpes, is an unusual natural site overlooking the Durance valley. The waterfall drops into a pool and seems topped by a monster's mouth, surrounded by mineral deposits spilling into the landscape.

Meltwater crosses the massif above the site and becomes charged with limestone. Warmed, it emerges at 22 degrees and crystallises on contact with the air. The monster's mouth of the Réotier fountain grows by a few millimetres every year.

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