Dinoplagne
Palaeontological site at Plagne in the Ain department, home to the longest known sauropod dinosaur trackway, under a wooden canopy, with an interpretive trail.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Dinoplagne site was discovered on April 5, 2009 by Marie-Hélène Marcaud and Patrice Landry, members of the Société des Naturalistes d'Oyonnax. A forest track cleared by machinery revealed circular marks in the limestone that looked like dinosaur footprints. Researchers from the CNRS and the University of Lyon 1 confirmed the exceptional scientific value of the site and the size of the prints, which can be followed over long distances.
Three excavation campaigns made it possible to identify the tracks of a sauropod dinosaur about 150 million years old. It is the longest sauropod trackway in the world; it records about three minutes in the life of the animal, which moved through a landscape similar to today’s Bahamas.
To protect the footprints while displaying them to the public, work was carried out in 2020 and 2021: a wooden canopy made of local timber shelters the upper part of the trackway, and modern exhibition design accompanies the visit. Prints outside the canopy are protected by a covering. The site is classified as an Espace naturel sensible (sensitive natural area) and is run by Terre Valserhône l'Interco, formerly the Pays bellegardien community of communes.
Highlights
- Longest known sauropod trackway in the world
- Wooden canopy protecting the footprints
- Interpretive trail of about 2 km with augmented reality (AR)
- Dig workshop for children
- Optional virtual reality experience from age 9
Permanent exhibition
- Piste d'empreintes de sauropode et sentier d'interprétation – Route under a wooden canopy that protects the trackway, with stations on biodiversity and the Jurassic, augmented reality and an exhibition room with fossils and a titanosaur egg.
- Founded
- 2021
- Operated by
- Terre Valserhône l'Interco
- Visitors per year
- approx. 10,567
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10People with reduced mobility, students aged 13 to 25 and job seekers (proof may be requested) |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 4 · Rate for children aged 5 to 12. Free for children under 5. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Packages for groups of 15 or more: see the Groups page of the website. |
| Families | €34Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children; each additional child €5. |
| Virtual reality option (from age 9) | €2Lasts about 4 minutes; not offered during evening visits. |
| Adult rate without online booking | €14Child €9, reduced rate €11, family pass €36, each additional child €6. |
| Adult rate for CSE works-council members (partner committees) | €10Child €6; proof to be shown at entry. |
Free admission: Free guided tours during the European Heritage Days, by reservation.
2026 rates with online booking; prices may vary during special events. Payment on site by card, cash, cheque and holiday vouchers.
Accessibility
- Partially 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
Partially accessible: the 2 km path up to the canopy is steep and the paths are gravelled. Standard electric wheelchairs cannot get up, and staff cannot help people who have difficulty walking. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead, to protect the site’s wildlife.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
| Family ticket | €34 · Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children; each additional child €5. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
Free dig workshop for budding explorers, treasure hunt, play area and educational furniture. Family activities during school holidays and in summer (including outdoor shows on Wednesdays). Virtual reality is not permitted for children under 9. Strollers can be taken on the paths, but the slopes are steep: be prepared to push and brake.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Saint-Germain-de-Joux · 4.9 km
No public transport line in Plagne. The nearest bus stop is Saint-Germain-de-Joux, 4.9 km away, served by line X36 (Bellegarde – Bourg-en-Bresse). Nearest station: Bellegarde (Valserhône), 16 km away.
By car
Parking available
Car park reserved for visitors during their visit, not shaded; overnight parking is not allowed.
Access to the site is only via the D49 departmental road: from exit 9 of the A40, follow the signs for Bellegarde via the D1084, then the D49 towards Plagne; from exit 10, follow the signs for Nantua via the D1084, then the D49. Do not follow GPS directions onto forest tracks, especially from Lac Genin. Coaches must climb via the D49 through Moulin de Charix. Taxis operate from Valserhône.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi near the reception building. Refreshments (ice cream, drinks, paninis, desserts) are available only in July and August; picnic area under the trees, to be used only in designated zones. The shop can be visited without entering the site, by announcing yourself at reception during opening hours. Toilets are reserved for visitors with a ticket.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Circular interpretive trail of about 2 km from reception to the canopy, with stops on biodiversity, the Jurassic and the evolution of the continents. Free audio guide in the Guideius app, translated into more than 30 languages; a smartphone is needed for augmented reality. Guided tours in June, evening tours on Thursdays in August, free during the European Heritage Days. Bring a water bottle and closed shoes. |
