The Trans-en-Provence Landing

On January 8, 1981, farmer Renato Nicolaï witnessed a disc-shaped object land briefly on his property in Trans-en-Provence, France. The case was investigated by GEPAN (France’s official UFO study group), which conducted extensive scientific analysis of the landing site. The results showed unexplained biochemical changes in plants—making this one of the best-documented physical trace cases.

The Sighting

At approximately 5:00 PM:

• Nicolaï was working in his garden
• He heard a whistling sound
• A lead-colored, disc-shaped object descended
• It landed on a raised terrace nearby
• It remained for about 30 seconds
• It then rose and flew away rapidly

The Object

Nicolaï described:

• A disc shape with a raised center
• Approximately 2.5 meters in diameter
• Lead or dull grey color
• Circular underside with protrusions
• No visible windows or markings
• Silent departure at high speed

Physical Traces

The landing left visible marks:

• A circular impression in the soil
• Darkened, compacted earth
• A ring pattern of two concentric circles
• Affected vegetation

GEPAN Investigation

GEPAN (Groupe d’Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés):

• Responded within days
• Collected soil and plant samples
• Photographed the site extensively
• Sent samples to multiple laboratories

Scientific Analysis

The analysis revealed:

• Soil had been heated to 300-600°C
• Chlorophyll content in plants reduced by 30-50%
• Biochemical changes in plant leaves
• Effects decreased with distance from center
• Changes couldn’t be reproduced by known mechanisms

Laboratory Results

Multiple French laboratories examined samples:

• Consistent findings across independent analyses
• Effects suggested exposure to electromagnetic fields
• Heat and pressure traces detected
• No conventional explanation fit the data

Witness Assessment

GEPAN found Nicolaï:

• Honest and consistent in his account
• Not seeking publicity
• With no apparent motive for fabrication
• Credible in his testimony

GEPAN Conclusion

GEPAN’s official report stated:

• Something physical did land at the site
• The effects couldn’t be explained conventionally
• The witness was credible
• The case merited classification as unexplained

Significance

Trans-en-Provence is significant for:

• Official government investigation (GEPAN)
• Rigorous scientific analysis
• Documented biochemical changes
• Multiple laboratory confirmations
• Physical evidence supporting witness testimony

Legacy

The Trans-en-Provence case demonstrates what’s possible when UFO reports receive proper scientific investigation. The French government’s willingness to study the case seriously—and publish the results—set a standard rarely matched elsewhere.