La Mine image
Anthracite mine museum in La Motte-d’Aveillans, with a guided tour of the underground galleries and an exhibition room on the lives of miners.
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About the museum
La Motte-d’Aveillans is regarded as the cradle of the La Mure anthracite mines, which closed in 1997. Mining on the Matheysin plateau goes back to the early Middle Ages and the 16th century, but it only truly developed at the beginning of the 19th century.
The museum grew out of the initiative of residents attached to their industrial heritage, including former miners. The association Sauvegarde et mise en valeur du patrimoine mottois was founded in February 1986, and the museum became its main goal. Volunteers cleared the galleries, carried out major works and looked for funding to make the project viable.
A first building recreating the mining architecture of the time was built in 1995. A second building, completed in 2011, houses a richer museum display. Guided tours were first run by former miners; today they are led by young guides trained by them.
Highlights
- Guided tour of the authentic underground galleries
- Scenes of work, animal haulage, timbering and cave-ins
- Reconstruction of the lamp room and the “salle des pendus” (changing room)
- 20-minute film
- Guides trained by former miners
Permanent exhibition
- Galeries et salle d'exposition de la mine – Guided tour of authentic anthracite galleries and an exhibition room with a reconstruction of the lamp room, the “salle des pendus” and working trades.
- Founded
- 1995
- Operated by
- Association Sauvegarde et mise en valeur du patrimoine mottois
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7People with disabilities and students, with proof |
| Children & teens | €7Rate for ages 6 and up. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €9.50 per personAdult groups of 20 people or more. |
| School visit | €7Per pupil. |
2026 rates for the guided tour.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
Children’s rate from age 6; the guides adapt their explanations to children.
Getting there & parking
The site is about 35 km south of Grenoble, near the Route Napoléon.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tour of the galleries open to the public, with scenes of work, animal haulage, timbering and cave-ins, followed by the museum’s exhibition room (lamp room, “salle des pendus”, working trades) and a 20-minute film. The guides adapt their explanations to children; a free 10-page educational booklet is available. |
