Late Carboniferous-Permian magmatism. Magmatic rocks with ages ranging from c. 305 to c. 295 Ma are localized along the Sillon Houiller and are present as plutons and in the core of large migmatite domes (Velay, Montagne Noire) in the eastern part of the French Massif Central. The presence of plutonic rocks to the south of the French Massif Central suggests that the partially molten source has migrated since the Lower Carboniferous from the internal to external zone of the Variscan belt. The combination of MPG-type, CPG-type and KCG-type granites emplaced during this period is consistent with the contribution of crustal and mantle sources and is interpreted as reflecting the impact of southward slab retreat that is more pronounced beneath the eastern part of the French Massif Central.