La Mine bleue
Former slate mine in Noyant-la-Gravoyère, visited with a guide 126 m underground, with a mine train and a slate-splitting demonstration.
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About the museum
Slate extraction in the region began with gathering stones, then moved to open quarries and finally to underground shafts. The Ardoisières Angevines de Saint-Blaise company was founded in 1916, and extraction began in Noyant-la-Gravoyère in 1921. It peaked in 1935, with 620 tonnes of slate, largely destined for the British market.
The mine closed in 1936 after the bankruptcy of its main shareholder, a bank in Angers. In 1959, pumping out the water showed that the mine floor was in good condition and that the remaining reserves were worth keeping, but the economic situation prevented a reopening. Technical and commercial feasibility studies were carried out in 1987 and 1988 to turn the site into a tourist attraction.
La Mine bleue opened to visitors in 1991, with the aim of preserving the memory of the mine and its heritage. The guided-only visit goes down by elevator to a depth of 126 m, where the temperature stays at 13 °C. A small mine train takes visitors deep into the workings, to large extraction chambers preserved as they were when the mine closed in 1936; the route also evokes the life of miners in the early 20th century. On the surface, a demonstration shows how a block becomes a roof slate.
Highlights
- Descent by elevator to 126 m underground
- A ride on the small mine train to the extraction chambers
- Slate chambers preserved since the closure in 1936
- Encounter with miners along a gallery
- Slate-splitting demonstration at the splitters’ knoll
Permanent exhibition
- Visite guidée de la mine d'ardoise – A descent to 126 m, a ride on the mine train, and a visit to the extraction chambers and the life of the miners, followed by a slate-splitting demonstration on the surface.
- Founded
- 1991
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €15.50Students, job seekers, people with disabilities, holders of the CEZAM, FFCC, Familles Rurales, Carte Loisirs/SRIAS or an ADMR voucher, and partners of accommodation providers or restaurants in Anjou bleu |
| Children & teens | €13free up to age 3 · Free for children under 4; €13 for ages 4 to 11 and €15 for ages 12 to 17 at the full rate. |
| Students & apprentices | €15.50Reduced rate with proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €15.50 per personGroups of 10 to 19 paying people: €15.50 per adult; from 20 paying people: €15 per adult, €13 for ages 12 to 17, €11 for ages 4 to 11. One free companion from the 21st paying entry. School groups and leisure centers: €11 per child. |
| Families | €15.50Family adult rate for 2 adults and at least 2 young people or children; €13 for ages 12 to 17 and €11 for ages 4 to 11. |
| Toussaint offer, weekdays from October 19 to 30, 2026 (adult) | €14.50€12.50 for ages 12 to 17 and €10.50 for ages 4 to 11; cannot be combined with other offers. |
| Pass du Mineur 2026 (adult) | €22Unlimited entry during the season; €20 for ages 12 to 17 and €18 for ages 4 to 11. |
| Virtual augmented-reality visit (about 20 minutes) | €11For people who cannot access the mine; by reservation. |
Reduced and family rates cannot be combined with other discounts. A rate of €15.30 applies to holders of the CNAS card, booked by phone. Payment by cash, card, check and holiday vouchers (ANCV, box office only).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator
- 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 mine visit is not accessible to people with reduced mobility: the route has around 200 steps, and the circuit cannot be used by wheelchair or stroller. The descent and ascent are by elevator, 116 and 126 m underground. A virtual augmented-reality visit is offered to people who cannot go down. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted; to reserve seats on the mine train, contact the site in advance.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
| Family ticket | €15.50 · Family adult rate for 2 adults and at least 2 young people or children; €13 for ages 12 to 17 and €11 for ages 4 to 11. |
- Stroller-friendly: not available
No minimum age and a family rate. The route is not suitable for strollers: bring a baby carrier or sling for the youngest children.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking for coaches and motorhomes; motorhome parking is limited to one night before or after the visit. Hiking trails start from the car park.
By car, take the Angers–Rennes motorway, exit Bouillé-Ménard, then follow the “La Mine bleue” signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
Shop open during the site’s opening hours. No restaurant on site; an outdoor picnic area with tables, shaded but not covered.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photos and videos are not allowed in the mine, 126 m underground. |
| Good to know | Guided visit only, followed by a 20- to 30-minute slate-splitting demonstration on the surface. Helmets are mandatory in the mine and lent on site. Temperature about 13 °C and 90% humidity; bring warm clothing and suitable shoes. No minimum age, but minors must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 4 should wear a hat or hood. You cannot leave the visit before it ends. Animals are not allowed, except guide dogs and assistance dogs. |
