Conservatoire des meules et pavés du bassin d'Épernon
Small association museum in Épernon devoted to the quarrymen, paviors and millstone makers of the Épernon basin, housed in former farm buildings.
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About the museum
The Conservatoire des meules et pavés du bassin d'Épernon was founded in 2005 to preserve the memory of the quarrymen, paviors and millstone makers of the region. The sandstone quarries of Épernon employed more than 1,200 workers; mechanisation came late, by which time most of the quarries were almost exhausted.
The museum occupies 19th-century farm buildings (a barn, a cowshed and a sheepfold), as well as a rotunda with a slate roof dating from the 1900 Exposition Universelle. It is run by the volunteer association Épernon Patrimoine et alentours.
The collections bring together documents, tools and fixed or movable equipment relating to these trades. Two rooms host temporary exhibitions with an educational focus, and researchers can consult the documents on request.
Highlights
- Memory of the quarrymen, paviors and millstone makers of the Épernon basin
- Tools, documents and equipment from the stoneworking trades
- Slate-roofed rotunda from 1900
- “Tourisme et Handicap” label
Permanent exhibition
- Les métiers de la pierre dans le bassin d'Épernon – Documents, tools and equipment of the quarrymen, paviors and millstone makers, housed in former farm buildings and a rotunda from 1900.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Association Épernon Patrimoine et alentours
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Seniors aged 60 and over, children aged 6 to 12 |
| Children & teens | €2.50Rate for children aged 6 to 12. |
| Seniors | €2.50From age 60. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Special group rates on request. |
| Families | €72 adults and 3 or more children. |
| Season pass | €6 |
| City tour for groups (from 10 people) | €6Per person. |
| “Au Rêve Gourmand” day package: visits and lunch (transport not included, maximum 35 people) | €37Per person. |
| “Au Prieuré Saint-Thomas” day package: visits and lunch (transport not included, maximum 150 people) | €27Per person. |
| Half-day option: guided visit of the conservatoire and afternoon snack (transport not included) | €12Per person. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for all types of disability. Special visits for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can be arranged on request.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits at fixed times; the guided visit of the conservatoire lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes in group packages. Bring a rain jacket; walking shoes are recommended for the town tour. |
