Musée de la mine
Municipal museum on the history of the lignite mine of Saint-Lon, worked from the 18th century until 1949, with geology and prehistoric traces.
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About the museum
The Saint-Lon lignite deposit has been known for a very long time: the blacksmiths of the surrounding area came to fetch this fuel from the Lassalle gully. The first real mining dates from 1756 and lasted fifteen months. A first concession of 361 hectares was granted on April 10, 1831.
The history of the mine is one of short periods of working and long periods of abandonment. Activity was at its highest during the wars, in 1870, 1914 and 1940. The mine closed permanently on February 27, 1949. Lignite is a fossil fuel, between peat and hard coal, formed from the decomposition of forests buried about one hundred million years ago.
The municipal museum traces this history from the beginnings of mining to the closure. Panels and display cases also present the great geological richness of the soil of Saint-Lon and evidence of prehistoric people in the area, with an Aurignacian stone tool industry.
Highlights
- History of the lignite mine from 1756 to its closure in 1949
- Geological richness of the soil of Saint-Lon
- Aurignacian stone tool industry
- Free admission
Permanent exhibition
- Histoire de la mine de lignite – Panels and display cases on lignite mining in Saint-Lon from the 18th century to 1949, on local geology and on prehistoric presence.
- Operated by
- Commune de Saint-Lon-les-Mines (musée municipal)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Self-guided visit; commented tours by appointment. Groups welcome (15 people maximum according to the Landes departmental tourism committee); groups contact the town hall. |
