Centre archéologique de Montans
Archaeological museum in Montans: Gallo-Roman terra sigillata, a treasure room, a reconstructed Gallo-Roman street and a park of more than 5,000 m² with a potter’s workshop.
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About the museum
The village of Montans, in the heart of the Gaillac wine region, has been continuously inhabited since the 9th century BC. After the Roman conquest, in the 1st and 2nd centuries, it became one of the largest ceramics production centers of the Roman Empire: its potters made terra sigillata vessels, but also oil lamps, common tableware and architectural terracotta, exported as far as England and northern Spain.
The Centre archéologique combines a conservation and study center, founded in 2013 and open to researchers and students, and a museum, also known as the Archéosite. Like Gallo-Roman villas, the museum building has a U-shaped plan and more than 400 m² of permanent exhibition space. One wing houses a full-size reconstruction of a Gallo-Roman street and house; the other is reserved for temporary exhibitions.
A secure room, the “Salle des trésors” (treasure room), displays the most remarkable objects found in the area, including coin hoards. Amphorae and winegrowers’ tools bear witness to the earliest traces of vine cultivation in the Gaillac region. In the park of more than 5,000 m², a reconstructed Gallo-Roman potter’s workshop and a terra sigillata kiln can be seen. The Centre is run by the Gaillac-Graulhet urban community.
Highlights
- Terra sigillata produced in Montans
- Treasure room with coin hoards
- Reconstructed Gallo-Roman street and house at full size
- Amphorae and winegrowers’ tools, evidence of the beginnings of wine in Gaillac
- Park with a reconstructed potter’s workshop and terra sigillata kiln
Permanent exhibitions
- Parcours du musée – Three permanent exhibition areas covering more than 400 m², with a full-size Gallo-Roman street and house and the treasure room.
- Parc archéologique – Park of more than 5,000 m² with a reconstructed Gallo-Roman potter’s workshop and a terra sigillata kiln.
- Operated by
- Communauté d’agglomération Gaillac-Graulhet
- Visitors per year
- approx. 8,229
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Groups of 10 or more people, job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, young people up to age 25, people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 5 · Free for children under 6; reduced rate up to age 25. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4 |
| Students & apprentices | –Free admission for students of history, art history and archaeology. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personReduced rate for groups of 10 or more people. Group guided tour of about 1 hour 30 minutes. |
| Birthday party (workshop and room for up to 12 participants, half day) | €100 |
| School guided tour – class package (20 to 30 pupils) | €80€4 per additional pupil |
| School storytelling tour – class package (20 to 30 pupils) | €100€5 per additional pupil |
| School workshop – class package (20 to 30 pupils) | €120€6 per additional pupil |
Preferential rates for partner works councils (comités d’entreprise), with the “Bons plans en Toscane Occitane”, the Pass Tarn and the chèque collégien school voucher. Admission is also free for journalists, heritage and museum professionals and tourist office staff.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Educational workshops for school and after-school groups and, during school holidays, for the general public. Birthday parties with a workshop are available by reservation.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking nearby.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop with replicas of archaeological objects, books, games, postcards and stationery.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | At reception, a visitor guide is provided in French, English, Spanish, Occitan, Catalan, Italian or German, with a presentation of about 10 minutes. In July and August, a free guided tour of about 1 hour takes place on weekends at 15:00 and 16:30. Group guided tours of about 1 hour 30 minutes by reservation. |
