La Cave aux Coquillages
Fossil cave museum of Lutetian shells in Fleury-la-Rivière, visited in small groups with a guide, with digs and paleontology workshops.
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About the museum
At Fleury-la-Rivière, La Cave aux Coquillages offers an underground geological journey through the original limestone sands. About 45 million years ago, the sea of the Paris Basin extended as far as Champagne, onto a tropical beach where enormous snails lived, the Campanile giganteum, more than 40 cm long.
The fossil shells are presented in the rock as they were discovered. The fossils of the Tuffeau de Damery have interested researchers from around the world, and more than 300 species have been recorded there. Sieving the sand also reveals a rich and varied microfauna. The site has thus built a fossil collection recognized as a reference collection.
The cave includes areas for digging, excavating, restoring and studying fossils, allowing visitors to take part in several stages of genuine paleontological research. A shop fitted out with antique pharmacy furniture sells fossils, paleontologist kits and jewelry made from Champagne shells.
Highlights
- Underground galleries with fossil shells in the rock
- Campanile giganteum, a fossil snail more than 40 cm long
- More than 300 species recorded in the Tuffeau de Damery
- Spaces for digging and studying fossils
- Shop selling fossils and jewelry
Permanent exhibition
- Galeries de fossiles de la Cave aux Coquillages – A guided tour of underground galleries where 45-million-year-old shell fossils are displayed in the rock.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €12free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 15: €12; free for children under 5. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €15 per personGroups of 15 people or more, without tasting: adults €15, children aged 5 to 15 €10. |
| Visit with tasting of two Champagnes (adult, about 2 hours 30 minutes) | €45 |
2026 prices, individual visits without tasting. Maximum 14 people per tour. School and leisure center rates on request.
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 site indicates access for visitors with reduced mobility. The visit is not recommended for people who are claustrophobic.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Child rate from age 5. The cave also offers workshops and courses on digging techniques and fossil identification.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available · 300 m to the entrance
Parking spaces 300 m away, around the church and the village hall.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop fitted out with antique pharmacy furniture. The website does not mention Wi-Fi.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours in French; a guided tour in English is also offered on booking. Written translations are available in English, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese. The cave is 12 °C with 95% humidity: bring a warm layer. Animals are not admitted, except guide dogs or animals carried in a suitable bag or stroller. |
