KVANEFJELD AND ILIMAUSSAQ

Narsaq is located in a fjord renowned for its mineral deposits (granite, sandstone, lava...), making it a major attraction for geologists and stone collectors alike. 8 km northeast of Narsaq, at Kvanefjeld (879 m), you can admire the semi-precious stone known as tuttupit (literally "reindeer stone"), recognizable by its pink veins. This stone is considered Greenland's national stone and is found only in the Ilimaussaq area

(another magnificent 1,390 m high neighbouring mountain) near Narsaq, and has so far only been found in a handful of places in the rest of the world. Not far away, a uranium mine is due to resume production soon. Be careful not to drink the water near the mine, as it may be radioactive.

Good to know: for stone fans, try to get hold of Henning Sørensen's fascinating book Geological guide south greenland (the narsarsuaq, narsaq, qaqortoq region). It details all the (rare) stones found in the region and, thanks to the photos, you can learn what you've picked up! It's available from the Blue Ice Explorer bookshop. Alternatively, a Parisian boutique called La Roche Mère also sells pretty stones directly from the frozen island: a good address for those who haven't managed to find what they're looking for locally! Please note that it is forbidden to pick up tuttupit and bring them back: you must go directly to the store to buy them.