La Carrière Barrois

At the Carrière Barrois in Freyming-Merlebach, cliffs of variegated ochre, sometimes pink, sometimes yellow, transport us into a canyon landscape. Its 80m-high lookout reveals the ponds that have long since replaced the machines. Indeed, sandstone was crushed into sand for backfill in mining operations. Shaped by Man, reclaimed by Mother Nature, the quarry has a new face. It is as much a refuge for brown pelobates, green toads, eagle owls and bats, which nest in the cliffs, as it is a playground for mammals, fish and insects, notably the delicate dragonflies. Wild flowers bloom like drops of color amid the vast emerald-green expanses.
Pedestrians and cyclists are welcome on a variety of walking routes, with several access points and parking lots. Access forbidden to all combustion engine vehicles, but authorized for electric bikes. In order to preserve the fragile ecosystem, swimming is prohibited for both humans and animals. For the whole of 2026, the Carrière Barrois will be closed to the public.

DATAtourisme France