Musée départemental des Merveilles

About the museum

The Vallée des Merveilles, in the Mercantour National Park about 80 km from Nice, is home to one of the largest collections of rock carvings in Europe. Across 14 km² and at more than 2,200 metres above sea level there are around 50,000 carvings, most made between the late Neolithic and the Middle Bronze Age. The site has been listed as a historic monument since 1989.

The Alpes-Maritimes department decided in 1996 to create the museum in order to protect and make known this heritage. The institution, which holds the “Musée de France” label, preserves, studies and displays the archaeological and ethnological heritage of the upper Roya valley. It also pays tribute to the researchers who studied the site, from Clarence Bicknell from 1879 onwards to the teams of Professor Henry de Lumley.

The 750 m² permanent gallery presents 350,000 years of history of the Vallée des Merveilles and the upper Roya through a multimedia route, from the evolution of humans and the landscape to the protohistoric carvings and then to arts and folk traditions. A 100 m² temporary gallery, a 60-seat auditorium and educational rooms complete the venue.

Highlights

• 750 m² permanent gallery covering 350,000 years of history
• Rock carvings of Mount Bego
• Touch table for a 3D visit of the Mount Bego site
• Route for young visitors aged 4 to 10
• Free self-guided visit

Permanent exhibition

• Galerie permanente – A 750 m² multimedia route through 350,000 years of history of the Vallée des Merveilles and the upper Roya, from protohistoric carvings to folk traditions.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Département des Alpes-Maritimes

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Self-guided visits are free for adults and children. Animations, shows and talks are free. Payment by card, cheque or cash, up to €300.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label. Access ramp on the forecourt, outdoor call system, three wheelchairs, two parking spaces facing the entrance and regular rest areas. Induction loop, a tablet with a sign-language (LSF) tour of the permanent gallery, raised floor guidance, a Braille booklet, a reading tablet that makes captions easier to read, a tactile guided tour and workshop for visually impaired visitors (by booking), and an interactive visit for visitors with intellectual disabilities. Guide dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

A route for young visitors aged 4 to 10 in the permanent gallery, under parental responsibility; workshops and activities for families and school groups.

Getting there & parking

By car from Nice: A8 motorway towards Ventimiglia, then departmental road D 6204 towards the Col de Tende and Cuneo.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop; relaxation areas inside and outside the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit