Musée archéologique Saint-Laurent

About the museum

The Musée archéologique Saint-Laurent occupies the former Saint-Laurent church, which has not been used for worship since 1983, in one of Grenoble's oldest neighbourhoods, at the foot of the Bastille fortifications. The site has been studied since the early 19th century and has been listed as a historic monument since August 10, 1977. After serving as an archaeological dig, it became a museum in 1986, reopened to the public in 2011, and received the “Musée de France” designation in 2002. It is part of the museum network of the Isère department.

Excavations carried out from 1978 to 1995 by Renée Colardelle and her team uncovered more than 1,500 graves dating from the 4th to the 18th century, along with more than 3,000 objects found in the soil, the fill and the tombs. This succession of graves over sixteen centuries shows how burial practices, beliefs and mindsets evolved. Among the objects, coins dominate from the 4th to the 9th century; from the 15th century on, the dead were often buried with religious objects such as crucifixes or rosaries.

The site went through four major phases: Antiquity and the early Middle Ages, shaped by funerary traditions and Christianization; the large Carolingian church of the 9th century; the monastic period from the 11th century until the priory was dissolved in 1790; and finally the modern era. Its highlight is the Saint-Oyand crypt, part of a cruciform church from the early 6th century and one of the few early medieval buildings in Europe whose upper structure survives. The route passes a viewpoint overlooking the nave, then the remains of the former cloister, protected by a 450 m² glass and metal roof, and ends at the spiral staircase of the bell tower.

Highlights

• Saint-Oyand crypt, an early medieval structure with its upper walls still standing
• More than 1,500 graves from the 4th to the 18th century uncovered
• Remains of the former cloister under a glass and metal roof
• Digital presentation of the remains
• Free admission, audio guides in five languages

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours permanent du site archéologique – The route begins at a viewpoint above the nave of the former church, passes the remains of the cloister and the Saint-Oyand crypt, and ends at the bell tower staircase.
• Collections issues des fouilles – More than 3,000 objects found on the site, presented in their archaeological context: coins, religious objects and grave goods.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Département de l'Isère

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free for everyone. Any group (self-guided visit, guided tour or workshop) must book at least 3 weeks in advance; cancellations made less than 72 hours before the date are charged.

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 partly accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; a dedicated entrance is available. Simply let the reception know (for groups, when registering).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum has signed the Môm'art charter. Games are lent free of charge at the reception desk, such as the treasure hunt “Chasseur d'images” for ages 4 and up and “Un trésor à Saint-Laurent” for ages 8 and up, to be played with the audio guide. Archaeology workshops for children are held every summer.

Getting there & parking

From Lyon (A48), take the Grenoble-Bastille exit, then follow the Isère quays towards La Tronche and cross the Pont de Chartreuse. From Chambéry (A41), take the Grenoble centre exit.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check: not available

Bags or items cannot be left at the reception desk; large bags and suitcases are not permitted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit