Fossilea

About the museum

Fossilea is part of the history of the Beaujolais, a region whose rocks tell more than 500 million years of history: seas, volcanoes and the drifting of continents shaped its landscapes, and marine fossils such as ammonites, belemnites, gryphaeas and remains of ichthyosaurs bear witness to this. UNESCO recognized this richness in 2018 by awarding the Beaujolais Geopark its label.

The museum continues the Espace Pierres Folles, created in 1986 in Saint-Jean-des-Vignes by a group of enthusiasts supported by local elected officials. Housed in a former quarry, this association-run museum introduced visitors to geology, paleontology and local history. In 2018 the Communauté de Communes Beaujolais Pierres Dorées launched a transformation project: the building was renovated, extended and entirely rethought over more than two years.

Fossilea opened its doors on May 17, 2025. The permanent circuit first presents the territory’s natural resources and prehistoric archaeology, then around fifty remarkable minerals, ammonites, belemnites and a life-size replica of an ichthyosaur. It ends with an immersive space that recreates a Jurassic seabed. Outside, a 4-hectare park offers a landscaped trail, a geological fault visible in an old quarry working face, and a reconstruction of a prehistoric camp. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops and documentary screenings in its auditorium.

Highlights

• Life-size replica of an ichthyosaur
• Immersive space recreating a Jurassic seabed
• About fifty remarkable minerals
• Ammonite and belemnite fossils from the Beaujolais
• 4-hectare park with a geological fault and a prehistoric camp

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours permanent – A circuit devoted to the Beaujolais’ natural resources, prehistoric archaeology, about fifty minerals, Jurassic marine fossils and an ichthyosaur replica.
• Espace immersif du Jurassique – A projected seabed, with images and sounds, that recreates the oceans that disappeared several million years ago.
• Parc de Fossilea – A 4-hectare park with a landscaped trail, a geological fault in an old quarry working face, and a reconstruction of a prehistoric camp.

Founded

2025

Operated by

Communauté de Communes Beaujolais Pierres Dorées

Admission & discounts

Admission prices include the guided tour. Parents accompanying a child to the workshop may attend for free on presentation of their admission ticket; at least one adult must accompany children.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible to people with disabilities. Only guide dogs for the blind are admitted to the premises.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The family guided tour “les petits curieux” is designed for families from age 6, with stories, observations, hands-on activities and a surprise at the end. Playful workshops such as fire-making, hunting or pottery are offered. The park invites families to continue the visit outdoors, with a shaded picnic area.

Getting there & parking

About 30 minutes by car from Lyon: take the A6, then the A89, and exit at junction 37 Chazay-d'Azergues.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Souvenir shop and picnic area in the park. A restaurant with a panoramic terrace is planned on the site but is not yet open to the public.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The museum offers exclusive use of its spaces for events.

Plan your visit