SALAGOU-MOUREZE, AMOUREUX D’ICI, 2015. Published by Matorral.  Villeneuvette, Cabrieres, Paperback. 228pp.

Many tourists visit this bizarre spectacle of a large ecological wonder in a world of limestone and peculiarly erosive pink soil. This is the Lac de Salagou, Occitanie, near Clermont L’Herault in the department of Lozere.

By all measures this is a superb book, it is large (30x30cm), magnificently illustrated in full colour and describes in words and pictures this gem in the bizarre limestone countryside, much of it referred to as a desert. The authors have gathered together experts on all subjects to explain their discoveries and theories to account for this magnificent place, and the thoughts of locals who live in the area and enjoy its botanical, zoological and geological  riches.  

The geology is well explained for this Basin de Lodeve, and the fossils of dinosaurs and fish are well illustrated. So many of the photographs are taken by drone and these reveal amazing landscapes that are well off the beaten tracks that look like something out of western USA. ‘Un pays de Volcans’ is described for the Plateau de Basse. Much of the geology is already displayed in the Museum of Lodeve. With regard to the flora and fauna, the amazing adaptations of life in these arid areas is shown with photographs of lichens, ferns, and angiosperms flourishing from rocks, where drought-tolerant lizards and scorpions lurk. This is one of the best wildlife books I have seen for any area in France. Archaeological investigations have been dealt with  comprehensively with excellent drone photographs of man’s early existence in these inhospitable areas of lost villages, all living with the still extant dolmens and menhirs of our ancestors.  A fantastic book.  Needs to be reprinted! One of the best books I have ever reviewed.