Musée des fouilles des Fontaines Salées

About the museum

About 1.5 km south of Saint-Père in the Yonne department, the Fontaines Salées are a major archaeological site. Some 4,300 years ago, Neolithic people captured the salt water with oak casings, whose remains can still be seen on site.

More than two thousand years later, between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, a vast Gallo-Roman thermal complex was built on the site. Its remains can be visited outdoors.

The site is managed by the commune of Saint-Père. The visit includes an open-air route with a guide map available in several languages and educational panels, as well as a reception and archaeological discovery center. Inside, illuminated totems tell the 4,300-year history of the place, and finds from the excavations are displayed with explanatory labels.

Highlights

• Neolithic oak casings for capturing salt water, about 4,300 years old
• Remains of a large Gallo-Roman thermal complex
• Discovery center with excavation finds and illuminated totems
• Guide map in several languages and playful route for ages 8–12

Permanent exhibition

• Centre d'accueil et de découvertes archéologiques – Excavation finds, models and illuminated totems trace 4,300 years of the site's history, from the Neolithic to Antiquity.

Operated by

Commune de Saint-Père

Admission & discounts

The site is part of the Morvan “Clé des Musées” scheme: until December 31, 2026, a full-price ticket at one partner museum gives a reduced rate at the others. Discounts at several cultural partners on presentation of the ticket.

Accessibility

• 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
• Audio description: no information

The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility; a Lomo adapter is lent on request. A free booklet in easy-to-read language (FALC) is available, and also in the Handivisites app.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Playful route designed for ages 8–12, usable with the free Guidigo app.

Getting there & parking

The site is about 1.5 km south of Saint-Père, 2 km from Vézelay, on the road to Pierre-Perthuis.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi. Toilets on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit