In the Jura mountains, a one-of-a-kind site now invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of giants that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. In Plagne, in the Ain department, spectacular footprints tell a story that is both real and astonishing.
At the heart of the village, the Dinoplagne site stands as a global reference. Here, there are no reconstructed skeletons or artificial sets: visitors are looking at genuine dinosaur tracks, preserved in the rock for nearly 150 million years. It’s a direct immersion into the distant past, drawing in both enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.
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The Jura mountains, a land shaped by ancient footprints
Palaeontological discoveries in the Jura mountains are nothing new. The region even gave its name to the Jurassic period, when dinosaurs dominated the planet. But the Plagne site stands out for one key reason: the remarkable length and clarity of its tracks.
On site, visitors can follow an impressive trail, perfectly preserved. Each footprint marks the passage of a colossal animal, frozen in stone over time. The area is protected and studied, yet also accessible, with an educational trail that helps visitors understand exactly what they are seeing.
The experience goes far beyond simple observation. As reported by France 3, Dinoplagne also offers workshops where both children and adults can step into the shoes of palaeontologists. With patience and curiosity, visitors learn how to observe, compare and identify fossils—bringing this ancient history vividly to life, far beyond the pages of a book.
Standing before the tracks, the effect is immediate. Where dinosaurs can seem abstract on paper, their presence here feels tangible. The size, the depth of the footprints, their alignment—all serve as a reminder that these were very real creatures that once walked these landscapes millions of years ago.
The titanosaur, a giant behind a record-breaking discovery
A major discovery in 2009 put the site firmly on the map. At this precise location, researchers identified the longest sauropod trackway ever recorded in the world—an important breakthrough in our understanding of these species.
The track stretches over 155 metres, an exceptional distance in palaeontological terms. It is attributed to a titanosaur, a long-necked herbivorous dinosaur that could reach up to 30 metres in length, 8 metres in height and weigh close to 40 tonnes.
The footprints reveal invaluable details. Some correspond to the front limbs, offering insights into limb structure and even the arrangement of the toes. These elements help scientists better understand how these giants moved and what they looked like.
Today, the site continues to be studied while remaining open to the public. Until autumn, visitors can explore this unique trail and, for the duration of a visit, follow in the footsteps of one of the largest animals ever to walk the Earth.er des fossiles. Une manière concrète de rendre cette histoire accessible, bien au-delà des livres.
