Foundation of the sanctuary Ve siècle av. J.-C. (≈ 451 av. J.-C.)
Period of initial use of the Gallic site.
1996
Site discovery
Site discovery 1996 (≈ 1996)
Identification by Jean Latour.
2013
Beginning of excavations
Beginning of excavations 2013 (≈ 2013)
Collaboration with DRAC.
15 octobre 2020
Registration MH
Registration MH 15 octobre 2020 (≈ 2020)
Protection for historical monuments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The archaeological remains of the Gallic sanctuary of the Cime de Tournerie, as delimited by the NGF coast of 1800 m, drawn in red on the plan annexed to the decree, located at the place called La Parao on the cadastral parcel section E n°23: inscription by order of 15 October 2020
Key figures
Jean Latour - Discovery of the site
Archaeologist who identified the sanctuary in 1996.
Origin and history
The archaeological site of the Cime de la Tournerie, located in the Mercantour Park in Roubion (Alpes-Maritimes), is a Gallic shrine of the Iron Age. Discovered in 1996 by Jean Latour, it dates back to the fifth century BC and was used until the third century BC. This place of worship, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters at the place called Parao, illustrates the religious practices of the southern Celtic populations before Romanization.
Systematic excavations have been carried out since 2013, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC). This research has made it possible to delimit precisely the remains, protected since 15 October 2020 by an inscription as historical monuments. The site, owned by the commune of Roubion, offers rare lighting on the mountain sanctuaries in Provence-Alpes-Côte d的Azur.
The isolated location of the sanctuary, close to ancient transhumance pathways, suggests a role both spiritual and strategic. The artifacts discovered (not detailed in the sources) could reveal cultural exchanges between local Gauls and Mediterranean peoples. Recent listing as a Historic Monument underscores its heritage importance to the region.
