The quarry
The place has been described by Richter (1979) in his book
'Südfrankreich und seine Fossilien'. Take the D153E, direction Soumont,
from Lodève (to the East) and follow 'La Vierge', the huge statue
on the rock. Go left at a bifurcation. After about 3.5 kms from the N9, when
you reach the highest point, you will find the quarry at your right hand
side. There are large heaps of beige slabs which can be split. However, don't
expect swift success. The fossils are rather rare, but with some perseverance
nice finds are still possible.
At a rough estimate about 95% of the number of fossils are twigs of conifers.
Fernlike fossils are rare and in most cases of small proportions. Calamites
and cordaites are also rare. Rather frequently you come across cones, seeds
and scales of fructifications. And very seldom you find a footprint of a
small reptile or amphibian.
Lodève is famous for its magnificent pieces collected principally
in the nineteenth century. Several paleobotanists have studied this flora,
like Brongniart (1828–1836), Zeiller (1898), Doubinger (1956) and Florin
(1939–1945)