Les Demoiselles de Théus

The demoiselles coiffées of Théus are erosion columns, also called fairy chimneys, located in the basin of the Vallauria torrent, in the commune of Théus, in the Hautes-Alpes. Each is a tall column of relatively crumbly soil, topped by a rocky cap that seems balanced on it. These strange forms are born from the action of rain and torrents on two materials that do not resist erosion in the same way: the hard block protects the column it surmounts, while the rest is gradually carried away.

The deposits concerned are of fluvio-glacial origin, unlike those of Cappadocia, which come from volcanic rocks. This type of relief occurs in present or former mountainous areas. In the Southern Alps, capped ladies overlook the Durance valley, and at Théus these columns have been nicknamed the pyramids of the fairies. Several hiking trails let you approach them.

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