Centre d’Interprétation Géologique du Thouarsais
Interpretation centre in the former stables of the Château de Thouars, explaining the local landscape and heritage through geology and stone.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The centre opened in 2000 in the former stables of the château of the Dukes of La Trémoïlle, on the banks of the Thouet. The 18th-century building, attributed to the architect Robert de Cotte, was extensively restored after a fire in 1980. It is run by the Communauté de communes du Thouarsais.
Rather than a classic museum of rocks, fossils and minerals, it is an interpretation centre that explains the Thouars area through its stone. The permanent exhibition of around 250 m² on the second floor links the relief, farming landscapes, crafts and local house styles to the nature of the ground beneath. It uses wall panels, models, rock samples and videos, as well as an interactive module, the GEOBIDULE®, which introduces the vocabulary of geologists.
The centre also has a library devoted to the earth sciences, temporary exhibitions, talks and educational workshops for schools. It shares the building with the Centre régional “Résistance & Liberté” and the municipal art school, and is linked to the nearby Réserve naturelle nationale du Toarcien.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition of around 250 m² on the landscape and stone of the Thouarsais
- Interactive GEOBIDULE® module on the vocabulary of geologists
- Models, panels, rock samples and videos
- Specialist earth sciences library
- Workshops and programmes for school groups
Permanent exhibition
- Le Thouarsais à travers la pierre – Self-guided route of around 250 m² showing how geology explains the relief, landscapes, crafts and architecture of the Thouars area, with models, rock samples, videos and the GEOBIDULE® module.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Communauté de communes du Thouarsais
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The centre is in the château stables building at the Rond-point du 19 mars 1962, which it shares with the Centre régional “Résistance & Liberté”.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Programmes for primary and secondary schools are offered on request by the visitor service of the Communauté de communes du Thouarsais. |
