Here is the list of the ten largest earthquakes using data from the Central Bureau Seismological French that France has ever known.
1. Lambesc 1909
It is the oldest, but certainly the deadliest since 1900. The epicenter of the earthquake of 6.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, was at Lambesc Bouches-du-Rhône. The earthquake killed 46 people and 250 suffered some serious injuries.
2. Arette 1967
Except an old woman died after a heart attack because of the earthquake, no casualties were regrettable during shaking. However, the earthquake, magnitude 5.1, caused huge damage. Indeed, a major part of the municipality of Arette was destroyed and it took several years to rebuild.
3. Annecy 1996
In the Rhône-Alpe area, the earthquake was the largest since the Corrençon in 1962. Despite a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale, the earthquake caused no casualties. It is, however, held on the night of July 14 .
4. Perpignan in 1996
Like that of Annecy, yet most important in terms of magnitude (5.6), the earthquake Perpignan has killed anyone. Only a few cracks in ceilings, walls or falling tiles were observed.
5. Southeast of Bonifacio in 2000
Located fifteen kilometers east of the coast of Sardinia and fifty Corsican coast, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake caused no damage in Corsica Commons. Only the cities of Bonifacio and Monacia-d'Aulene felt the vibrations caused by the earthquake.
6. Hennebont 2002
In this area of Britain, seismic activity is relatively low but remains constant. That is why the earthquake of 5.4 magnitude on the Richter scale, is a rare event in this part of France.
7. Rambervillers 2003
It is certainly the earthquake that was felt in the largest number of departments. Nearly 40 felt the quake of magnitude 5.4. Germany and Switzerland have also felt their ground vibrate. It caused severe damage but no nuclear Fessenheim, though it was close to the epicenter ...
8. Roulans 2004
Despite its 300 kilometers, and its tremors felt in Lyon, Belfort, Switzerland or Germany, the earthquake of 5.1 on the Richter scale caused no injuries. However, it caused extensive damage, cracking some building facades.
9. 100km south-west of Ajaccio
This is the second earthquake at sea and what is more, near Corsica. The vibrations were felt on the west coast of the Island of Beauty, but also on the Côte d'Azur. No damage or injuries, reported.
10. Barcelonette 2014
To date, he is the last earthquake of magnitude greater than 5 on the Richter scale in France. Several departments have suffered violent vibrations: Savoy in Var, through the Rhone, Isere, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes. However, it caused no casualties.
