Musée archéologique de Civaux

About the museum

Following the excavations led by François Eygun around the church and necropolis of Civaux in 1960–1964, an excavation depot called a “museum” was built opposite the necropolis. In the 1980s the idea of a proper archaeological museum took shape in the municipal council, driven by the Association des Amis du Pays de Civaux. In 1999 the commune bought the building facing the church, which had served as a school; it was restructured and enlarged, and a steering committee prepared the museum route from 2000 onwards.

The museum opened its doors on March 7, 2004, initially under the name “Centre culturel”. It obtained the Tourisme et Handicap label in 2013 and became a municipal museum in 2015, the year audioguides were introduced. A Roman garden was created in 2016 and a Merovingian garden in 2019.

The collections are particularly rich for the Roman and Merovingian periods and include many objects found in a funerary context, notably in the Merovingian necropolis, one of the largest in France. The route runs over five rooms from the Middle Ages back to prehistory: Merovingian brooches, rings and jewellery, Gallo-Roman “à l’éponge” pottery (sponge-decorated), weapons of Gallic warriors and remains from the Metal Ages and the Middle Palaeolithic.

Highlights

• Merovingian objects from one of the largest necropolises in France
• Gallo-Roman “à l’éponge” pottery, made locally
• Weapons of Gallic warriors and remains of the Metal Ages
• Audioguides for the museum, church, necropolis and Roman sanctuary
• Treasure hunts and escape game for families

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent du musée – Five rooms from the Middle Ages back to prehistory, with Merovingian funerary objects, Gallo-Roman pottery and Gallic weapons.

Founded

2004

Operated by

Commune de Civaux (musée municipal depuis 2015)

Admission & discounts

2026 rates. Admission is free for residents of Civaux with proof of address. Exhibitions and the film “Civaux, à la recherche de nos origines” are free. School activities and leisure centres: €2 per child for a half day, €4 for a full day. Payment in cash, by cheque and by contactless bank card; for groups, by bank transfer.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The museum is fully accessible to people with physical and intellectual disabilities and holds the Tourisme et Handicap label. A lift serves the upper floor (auditorium and exhibition room). An induction loop is installed in the hall, a wheelchair is available, seats are distributed through the rooms, and the stairs are fitted with tactile floor strips. The auditorium has two reserved places. Large-print texts, simplified texts, a magnifying glass and objects to touch (prehistoric flint tools and Roman sherds, on request) are offered. There is no dedicated disabled parking space, but the car park is very close, and a drop-off point is possible in front of the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family treasure hunts (“Le trésor de Marina”, “Les Six veaux d’or”), the escape game “La fibule filante”, workshops for young people, holiday activities, birthday packages. The museum has joined the Môm’Art charter of the ten rights of the young visitor. Booklets of games for little ones, children and teenagers, in several languages; children’s corner with colouring sheets in the hall; pushchair available; booster seats and step stools in the toilets. The treasure hunt “Les Six veaux d’or” lasts between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes for children from age 5.

Getting there & parking

The museum is less than 50 m from the Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3), in front of the church entrance. A bicycle shed is available.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi. Shop with books, postcards and local produce. Air-conditioned museum. Picnic area with a pond and play equipment right nearby; the restaurant La Bisquine is very close. The museum is an Accueil Vélo stop on the Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3), with toilets, drinking water, a repair kit and phone charging.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit