Musée et Site Gallo-Romains du Fâ

About the museum

Le Fâ is the name of the locality of Barzan, in Charente-Maritime, where a large archaeological site lies above the Gironde estuary. Excavations are gradually revealing an ancient port town, one of the most important on the Atlantic coast, which played a leading economic role in connection with Mediolanum, today’s Saintes.

The site has a long history: the neighboring hill of La Garde bears a fortified Neolithic camp; a hoard of Bronze Age axes was discovered there in 1980, and layers predating the Romans have been identified beneath the temple and the baths quarter. Occupation of the Gallo-Roman town is attested over five centuries.

The archaeological museum has been open since September 9, 2005. It presents some 1,000 objects from the excavations in rooms devoted to the archaeologist’s profession, daily life, architecture and monuments, and trade and exchange. A large model of the town, 3D animations of the baths and the circular temple, and a watercolor by Jean-Claude Golvin help visitors imagine the city.

A virtual museum presents objects too small or too fragile to be displayed. The site is managed by the Barzan mixed syndicate and also offers guided tours, workshops, costumed animations and an escape game, along with an annual exhibition on archaeology.

Highlights

• Archaeological site of a Gallo-Roman port town above the Gironde
• About 1,000 objects from the excavations in the museum
• Large town model and 3D animations of the baths and circular temple
• Virtual museum “Fâscinant musée”
• Costumed animations, workshops and escape game for families

Permanent exhibitions

• Musée archéologique – About 1,000 objects from the excavations are shown in rooms on the archaeologist’s profession, daily life, architecture and trade, with a large model of the town.
• Site archéologique gallo-romain – The outdoor trail reveals the remains of an ancient port town, including the circular temple and the baths quarter.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Syndicat mixte de Barzan

Admission & discounts

Free admission: European Heritage Days

Low season (€7 / €4) applies from May 4 to June 30, from September 1 to October 16, and from November 2 to 11; high season (€8 / €5) applies during the Easter and Toussaint holidays and in July and August. The guided tour and animations are included in the ticket. Reduced rates are available with tickets from partner sites in the region (Saintes, Royan, Talmont-sur-Gironde, Meschers and others). Free for journalists, tour guides, ICOM members, annual pass holders and members of ASSA Barzan.

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

The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users, except for the temple walkway. A wheelchair is available at reception on request. The site carries the Tourisme et Handicap label. Pets are not admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Ancient costumes can be borrowed to follow the animations, and talks on daily life, engineering or the Roman army take place during the holidays. Participatory workshops are open from age 6 and the introduction to archaeology from age 10. There is also a treasure hunt with Titus and Caius, a one-hour special family guided tour, an escape game and birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

The site is in Charente-Maritime, 20 minutes from Royan and 5 minutes from Talmont-sur-Gironde. By car: A10 motorway, exit 36 toward Jonzac and Pons, then Gémozac and Cozes. EV charging points in Meschers-sur-Gironde and in Cozes, 8 km away. The site is labeled Accueil Vélo.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

No food service on site, but a shaded picnic area and a microwave to warm toddlers’ meals. Site shop. The ticket is valid all day, so you can go out for lunch and come back. The site does not mention Wi-Fi for visitors.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit