Parc archéologique Asnapio
Park with reconstructions of houses from prehistory to the Middle Ages, built after excavations in northern France.
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About the museum
The Asnapio archaeological reconstruction park is in the La Cousinerie district of Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Its name recalls Asnapio, a medieval royal estate that stretched across the Annappes district and part of La Cousinerie. The estate also had a stud farm that supplied cavalry horses to Charlemagne.
The project began in 1988, when the city's archaeology department started building the first structures with the work-integration association VISA. The park opened to the public and to school groups in 2001. The site was marshland, drained when the lakes were dug, and no traces of habitation were found there.
The houses are rebuilt from excavation reports from northern France, using ancient techniques and materials such as clay and reed thatch. The route runs from prehistory to the Middle Ages, following an approach of experimental archaeology that tests archaeologists' hypotheses.
Highlights
- Reconstructed houses from prehistory to the Middle Ages
- Experimental archaeology with ancient materials and techniques
- Guided tours of 1 hour or 1 hour 30 minutes
- Participatory workshops and family activities
- Themed birthday parties from age 7
Permanent exhibition
- Reconstitutions d'habitats de la préhistoire au Moyen Âge – Houses built after excavations in northern France show the evolution of dwellings from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
- Operated by
- Ville de Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Residents of Villeneuve-d'Ascq, under-18s, students, job seekers and recipients of the RSA, with proof |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 4 · Free for under-5s; reduced rate for under-18s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free companion on presentation of a disability card bearing the words “besoin d'accompagnement”. |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Groups (5+ people) | –Prices per group of 5 to 30 people: 1 hour tour €40 (reduced €32); 1 hour 30 minutes tour €64 (reduced €54). |
| Festive Sunday (2nd Sunday of the month) | €5Reduced rate: €3; free for under-18s. |
| Big festival | €8Reduced rate: €4; free for under-18s. Pass for up to 6 people: €25 (reduced €17). |
| Full-day workshop | €20Reduced rate: €16, charged to the legal guardian. |
| Birthday party (up to 13 children) | €90Reduced rate: €70. |
Payment by card, cash (exact change) or check; chèques-vacances are not accepted. Admission is free for schools, collèges, public lycées and leisure centers in Villeneuve-d'Ascq.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Participatory activities on Wednesdays during term time and school holidays, included in the entrance price. Birthday parties from age 7 with 2 hours of workshops followed by an afternoon snack in a covered room, booked by phone; some workshops are for ages 8 and up.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
LaM / Comices
Metro line 1, Pont de Bois station, then Liane 6 or bus 32 (LaM or Comices stop) or bus 34 (Lac Canteleu stop); metro line 2, Fort de Mons station, then Liane 6 (LaM or Comices stop).
Amenities & dining
A picnic area can be reserved for groups (€18, reduced €10).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours at 14:00 (1 hour 30 minutes, full route up to the Middle Ages) and at 15:30 (1 hour, short route), during term time and school holidays. Groups are welcome from April until the All Saints' holidays. |
Museums nearby
LaM – Lille Métropole Musée d'art moderne, d'art contemporain et d'art brut
Musée des Moulins - Jean Bruggeman
Musée du Terroir de Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Château de Flers
Mémorial Ascq 1944
Musée de plein air de Villeneuve-d'Ascq
All 9 museums in Villeneuve-d'Ascq All museums in Hauts-de-France