Musée gallo-romain de Chanaz

About the museum

The Gallo-Roman Museum of Chanaz opened on September 29, 2001 in a former 15th-century Gothic chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Miséricorde. It is devoted to the potters of Portout.

Its permanent collection comes from excavations carried out from 1976 to 1987 at Portout. They uncovered the remains of a potters’ workshop set up on the banks of the Canal de Savière in the first half of the 5th century. The craftsmen produced lustrous ceramics typical of the workshops of Lac du Bourget. In total, 11.7 tons of ceramics were recovered, which shows how important this workshop was. Its products were distributed to Switzerland and Franche-Comté, and along the Rhône as far as the Mediterranean.

The route presents the course of the excavations, a chronology of the region in the Gallo-Roman period and the trades of the time. It then covers daily life (weaving, housing, tools, food, trade, religion, coins and jewelry) and finally the world of the potters, their manufacturing and firing techniques and the decoration of their pottery.

Highlights

• Portout potters’ workshop, 5th century
• Lustrous ceramics produced on the Canal de Savière
• Pottery, coins, jewelry and amphorae
• 15th-century Gothic chapel
• Outdoor escape game “Mercure contre Pluton”

Permanent exhibition

• Les potiers de Portout – Three spaces present the excavations, Gallo-Roman daily life and the production of lustrous ceramics from the Portout workshop.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Commune de Chanaz

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. Workshops and guided tours: €3 to €4 per person. Outdoor escape game: €30 per team (maximum 6 people).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 tourist office describes a step-free floor, clear circulation space, a standards-compliant elevator, an adapted reception counter and toilets with grab bars. Animals are not admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Pottery workshops for children, “Apprenti archéologue” workshops and family activities throughout the year.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at 15 rue du Moulin, in the village of Chanaz.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit