Musée archéologique de Soyons

About the museum

The village of Soyons, on the edge of the Rhône and backed by limestone massifs, has been continuously inhabited for 100,000 years, from Neanderthal man to the medieval period. On the east face of the Guercy massif, a group of caves occupied by Neanderthals was discovered as early as 1870. Two caves are open to the public today: the Grotte de Néron, listed as a historic monument and devoted to the work of archaeologists and prehistoric life, and the Trou du Renard, decorated with limestone formations.

The archaeological museum sits in the heart of the village and is the museum of the site. It traces the history of human occupation locally, from prehistory to the Middle Ages, through major objects from excavations at Soyons and the surrounding area.

The chronological route includes four permanent exhibition rooms. Highlights include a partial mammoth skeleton, Neanderthal stone tools, a sacrificial altar dedicated to the goddess Soïo, a Gallo-Roman mosaic and pottery.

Highlights

• Partial mammoth skeleton
• Neanderthal stone tools
• Altar dedicated to the goddess Soïo
• Gallo-Roman mosaic
• Grotte de Néron and Trou du Renard, with guided tour

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente du musée archéologique – Four rooms trace the development of humankind from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with a mammoth skeleton, Neanderthal tools, an altar to the goddess Soïo and a Gallo-Roman mosaic.

Admission & discounts

2026 prices for the museum and caves ticket (full price €10, reduced €7). The cave ticket is combined with the museum ticket; a museum-only ticket is possible. Tickets are bought directly at the ticket desk, at the caves or at the museum, without reservation. Payment by cash, cheque, bank card or ANCV Chèques-vacances. The site also offers the Pass’ Ardèche card (3 days: €48, 6 days: €68, annual: €98).

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

Only the museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; access to the caves is on foot along a hiking trail.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Introductory archaeological excavation workshops (in the Grotte de Néron or at the Gallo-Roman site of La Brégoule) are offered during the holidays by reservation at +33 4 75 60 88 86, and on a date of your choice for a group of at least 10 children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at 28 rue de l’Église, in the heart of the village. The caves are on RD 86, at the south exit of the village: take the M. Astier hiking trail.

Amenities & dining

A picnic area is located near the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit