Paléopolis

About the museum

The park grew out of discoveries made in the Gannat basin. As early as 1824, Baron Cuvier was studying in Paris a rhinoceros thigh bone found at Gannat, and skeletons of Diaceratherium lemanense were unearthed from 1853 onward. In 1993, the most complete skeleton of this species was discovered in a quarry at Gannat. The Rhinopolis association, founded in 1994, promoted this heritage in a 200 m² museum space.

The Paléopolis project was launched in 2011, with the park built under the project management of the Conseil général de l’Allier, for an initial investment of €5.3 million. The park opened to the public in 2013 with a permanent exhibition of fossils from the Rhinopolis collections, supplemented by temporary exhibitions.

The park was later enriched with further spaces and activities, such as an escape game and a 3D cinema. It welcomed 50,000 visitors in 2023, and attendance records were set in 2024 and 2025, notably thanks to the summer night trail “Exploration lumineuse”.

Highlights

• Over 300 fossils shown in the science space, including a T. rex
• Vallée des dinosaures: life-size reconstructions
• Pavillon Lac de Limagne devoted to the palaeontology of the Allier
• Casting and cave-art workshops for ages 5 to 15
• Summer night trail “Exploration lumineuse”

Founded

2013

Visitors per year

approx. 50,000 (2023)

Admission & discounts

Special rates exist for groups (large families of 15 people and more, school groups, leisure centres, children’s birthday parties). Parking is free.

Accessibility

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

The park is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with reserved parking spaces near the reception. Paths that cannot be used independently are marked on the map handed out at the entrance, and as the site is in open countryside, movement can be difficult after heavy rain. Mediation tools are offered at reception and on the Handivisites app: a raised-relief map, an easy-read booklet, a sign language video and a portable induction loop.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

A free-access area for children under 5 offers games and sensory experiences. For ages 5 to 8, parents accompany the children (panels to read, a game booklet to fill in). Supervised introductory workshops are offered for ages 3 to 15, including the “Petits Dinos” workshop for ages 3 to 4. Birthday parties can be held at the park.

Getting there & parking

The park is in Gannat, at the locality of Chazoux, about 50 km north of Clermont-Ferrand and 20 km west of Vichy. From the A71, take exit 12, then the A719 to exit 14, and follow the direction for Gannat (about 10 minutes). The park offers a cycle-friendly welcome: bicycle storage and an e-bike charging point, near the Voie Verte du Val de Sioule.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The park’s restaurant “Le Bivouac” serves homemade regional dishes in jars, available all day, as well as picnic baskets. In July and August, a food truck sets up in the park. A covered shelter allows picnicking. Animals are welcome outdoors, on a lead, but not inside buildings (except small animals carried in arms).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Room hire for events: Paléo-Cinéma (€400 for half a day, €600 for a full day), teaching room (€200 / €350), Pavillon Lac de Limagne (€350 / €500) and Espace Dino Draw (€350 / €500).

Plan your visit