Sauropod femur found in France

A sauropod femur, measuring 2.2 meters in length and weighing between 400 to 500 kg, was discovered in a sand quarry in Angeac-Charente in 2010. This find suggested the dinosaur could have been about 35 meters long, which is roughly the length of a school bus.

Rich fossil site in Angeac-Charente

The Angeac-Charente site has been excavated since 2008 by the Angoulême Museum and the CNRS. Over 7,500 fossils from more than 40 species have been uncovered there, offering a glimpse into the biodiversity of the area millions of years ago.

Second sauropod femur discovered

In 2019, a second sauropod femur weighing over 500 kg was found during the tenth excavation campaign. This bone belongs to an animal that lived over 140 million years ago, and researcher Ronan Allain estimates the creature weighed between 40 and 50 tonnes.

New insights on sauropod distribution

The discovery of a camarasaur skeleton in 2024 adds to the significance of the site. Camarasaur is a sauropod genus previously known only in North America, and its presence in France challenges assumptions about where these dinosaurs lived.

Fossil analysis methods

Paleontologists estimate the size of the dinosaur based on anatomical comparisons. The femur maintains consistent proportions relative to the total body length, allowing scientists to calculate the animal’s size from a single bone.

Exhibitions highlight discoveries

The exhibition Chercheurs de dinos at the Angoulême Museum from May 22, 2022, to January 3, 2027, showcases the research and reconstruction efforts around the camarasaur. The 2026 excavation campaign also included an exhibition dedicated to the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

Ongoing research at the site

Angeac-Charente is now one of the most important sites globally for dinosaur studies. Excavations, led by Ronan Allain and Jean-François Tournepiche, continue to yield significant discoveries, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life.