The Rochechouart-Chassenon astrobleme | Limousin

Rochechouart-Chassenon Astroblème Nature Reserve

The presence of numerous fractured rocks and breccias in the region remained unexplained for a long time. It wasn’t until 1969 that François Kraut hypothesised that they were the result of a meteorite impact. It was much later, in 2008, that the Rochechouart-Chassenon Astroblème Nature Reserve was created, with the aim of protecting this exceptional geological heritage, managing this natural area and raising public awareness through educational work. The Rochechouart-Chassenon Astroblème Nature Reserve covers five communes straddling the departments of Haute-Vienne and Charente. It is the only known astrobleme in France and the fifth largest impact structure in Europe! The Reserve’s staff regularly organise visits to the listed sites, which are not accessible, in order to share this exceptional heritage with everyone, and to raise awareness and provide information about developments in scientific research into the astrobleme.

©Guided Tour Maison De La Reserve Espace Meteorite Rochechouart|Office de Tourisme Porte Océane du Limousin

The Maison de la Réserve

Visit the Maison de la Réserve or Espace Météorite Paul Pellas in the heart of Rochechouart, a stone’s throw from the château. Covering around 150 m², the museum invites you to discover the solar system, meteorites and impact craters around the world, with a special focus on the Rochechouart-Chassenon Astroblème crater. With rock samples, models, educational panels and videos, the tour is a fun way to discover a fascinating scientific phenomenon!

The Maison de la Réserve

©Astrobleme De Rochechouart|©OT Portes Océane du Limousin

The Astroblème interpretation trail

After your visit to the Maison de la Réserve, set off to see the impactite for yourself in the town of Rochechouart! This 2km trail starts in the alleys of Rochechouart castle and allows you to observe the rock in the local buildings, following the signs and clues. You can extend your walk by taking the pond trail, which takes you to the Boischenu pond: 1.3 km on the theme of flora and fauna.

The astrobleme trail

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Built heritage in impactite

When the meteorite impacted, it fused with terrestrial rocks to create unique and rare stones: impact breccias or impactites. Their varying colours, from yellow to green to red, depending on the degree of fusion, can be seen in the local built heritage: the Gallo-Roman thermal baths at Chassenon, the church with its twisted bell tower and the Château de Rochechouart, as well as in 20th-century houses.

International Research Centre

The Centre International de Recherche sur les Impacts et sur Rochechouart (CIRIR), created in 2016, has enabled researchers from all over the world to come and study the subsoil of the impact crater. In 2022, scientists from all over the world came to Rochechouart to discover and discuss this geological treasure.

World Asteroid Day

Every year at the end of June, to mark World Asteroid Day, CIRIR and its partners organise a fun and educational festival at the heart of France’s only impact crater! On the programme: a host of free events and activities for all ages.

Continue your stay near the Astroblème Nature Reserve

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Animated outings

Every year, the Maison de la Réserve, Espace Météorite Paul Pellas, offers a full programme of events to help you discover the Astroblème Nature Reserve in a different way! On the programme: guided walks in Rochechouart to take a closer look at the impactite, guided hikes, family outings to discover the flora and fauna and workshops.

The beauty of the surrounding countryside

You’re in the Astroblème Nature Reserve, yes, but also in the Périgord Regional Nature Park! Nearby, you’ll find the remarkable trees of Bramefan and Peyrassoulat, the lakes of the Haute-Charente and plenty of walks for a breath of fresh air!

The Richard the Lionheart Road

Rochechouart is one of the stops on the Richard the Lionheart tourist route! Follow the route to discover the Limousin, its villages and its many castles.