Musée archéologique de Champagnole
Municipal museum in Champagnole devoted to Gallo-Roman and Merovingian archaeology of the upper Ain valley, notably the cemeteries of Crotenay.
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About the museum
The Champagnole museum was created in 1986 to house important archaeological collections from excavations carried out from 1965 onwards in Champagnole and its immediate surroundings. Its aim is to preserve and display these collections, which help explain the history and development of the upper Ain valley.
The permanent galleries present daily life in the Gallo-Roman period and the funerary archaeology of the early Middle Ages. A decade of preventive excavations (1978–1992) revealed a double settlement: the sanctuary of Équevillon on Mont Rivel, with two temples, and Saint-Germain-en-Montagne, where workshops lined the Roman road from Dijon to Lausanne.
The largest room is devoted to the Merovingian collections (5th–7th centuries) from the cemeteries of Crotenay and Monnet-la-Ville, excavated from 1965 to 1978. The museum is municipal, holds the “Musée de France” label, has a public education service and belongs to the departmental JuraMusées network.
Highlights
- Merovingian collections from the cemeteries of Crotenay and Monnet-la-Ville
- Damascened silver and brass belt buckles
- Gallo-Roman daily life: the sanctuary of Équevillon and the settlement of Saint-Germain-en-Montagne
- “Musée de France” label and JuraMusées network
Permanent exhibitions
- Collections gallo-romaines – Daily life in the Gallo-Roman period, illustrated by the excavations of the sanctuary of Équevillon and the settlement of Saint-Germain-en-Montagne.
- Collections mérovingiennes – The largest room presents the funerary furnishings from the cemeteries of Crotenay and Monnet-la-Ville, between the 5th and 7th centuries.
- Founded
- 1986
- Operated by
- Ville de Champagnole
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,317
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Students, job seekers, groups of 10 or more, people with disabilities, Jura Musées ticket |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free for under-18s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3Reduced rate. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Reduced rate. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personReduced rate for groups of 10 or more. |
| Guided or educational tour for groups and school classes | €5.50By reservation. |
Rates 2026. Free for under-18s, holders of the carte avantages jeunes and schoolchildren from Champagnole.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
Access to the second floor is by an outdoor staircase. For visitors with reduced mobility, part of the museum is accessible by lift during the library's opening hours.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Guided tours with workshop for young and old in July and August, by registration; free for under-18s.
Getting there & parking
The museum is located in the annex of the town hall, 26 rue Baronne Delort.
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 or educational tours for groups and school classes by reservation. The museum is housed in the annex of the town hall, which also houses the library. European Heritage Days on September 19 and 20, 2026. |
