Southern department of Ardèche harbor many karstic landforms (called
lapiaz in french) which formed maze of rocks like the surrounding area of Gorges du Chassezac near the village of Les Vans. Most of the natural arches located on these karstic labyrinth of limestone are expanded crevice, narrow crack through rocks or natural tunnel of irregular shape and sometime badly proportioned. These karstic landforms shelters also an abundance of joints and faults which are not considered like a natural arch. The opening found on these karstic sites are not always photogenic and difficult to highlight through dense vegetation. Some best examples are represented below.
These three natural arches below are situated on the rim of Gorges du Chassezac near the village of Maison Neuve in Ardèche department of France. Each of them have at less 2 meters span or height.
This natural arch about 2.5 meters is located on Les Chambrettes locality (a vast karstic area covered with wood) near the hamlet of Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours in Ardèche department of Fance.
Two other examples of karstic arches on Les Chambrettes locality.
This natural arch is located on Les Merveilles (The Wonders) locality, a secluded area of the Wood of Païolive in Ardèche department of France. The opening has an estimated height of 3.0 meters.
This other natural arch is also located on Les Merveilles (The Wonders) locality and have a measured span of 3.5 meters. May be wiever can imagine to see a figure of a big elephant.
Two other examples about karstic arches located on Les Merveilles (The Wonders) locality.
This real natural arch (it look like as a fallen block on the photo) is located on the rim of Gorges du Chassezac near Casteljau locality in Ardèche department of France. An incredible grey "dantean wall" is situated behind the opening. Photo taken after a heavy rain. The oozing moisture on the wall enhances the work of nature.
Another karstic arch located close to the previous one.
