Musée paléoécologique de Cerin

About the museum

In the 19th century, Cerin was known for its quarry of lithographic stone. The first fish fossils were discovered there in 1838 by the engineer-geologist Aimé Drian. The collection later assembled by Victor Thiollière is now kept at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon.

In 1975, major excavations began under the direction of a laboratory associated with the CNRS. They lasted twenty years and proved that a tropical lagoon existed here about 145 million years ago. The dig was officially halted in 1994.

The museum was created in 1986 in the hamlet’s former wash-house, on the initiative of mayor Paul Grinand, together with Paul Bernier. Since 1987, it has been run by the Musée paléoécologique association. The visit includes two films, one of them an animated film for children, and a 1 hour 30 minutes discovery trail leads to the quarry.

Highlights

• Fossils of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, reptiles and tree leaves from the Kimmeridgian
• Reconstruction of an Upper Jurassic tropical lagoon
• Two films included in the visit, including an animated film for children
• Sentier des Carriers, 1 hour 30 minutes, starting from the museum
• History of the lithographic stone quarry

Founded

1986

Operated by

Association du Musée paléoécologique de Cerin

Admission & discounts

The museum welcomes groups, school classes, students, scientists and companies all year round.

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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is wheelchair-accessible for independent visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

A 15-minute animated film suitable for children is included in the visit. The Sentier des Carriers (1 hour 30 minutes discovery trail) starts at the museum and presents the quarry, the rocks and the geological periods in a playful way.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the hamlet of Cerin, 200 rue principale, in Marchamp. The Sentier des Carriers extends the visit and starts at the museum.

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