Musée de l'Ardoise: A Journey into the Heart of Slate Mining

Discover the history of slate mining in Anjou at the Musée de l'Ardoise, a unique journey into the heart of French industrial heritage.

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Musée de l'Ardoise

Delve into the captivating world of slate at the Musée de l'Ardoise in Trélazé. Housed in a former 19th-century match factory, the museum chronicles the history of slate extraction in the Anjou region, where slate has been mined for over seven centuries. Explore exhibits showcasing the tools, techniques, and lives of the slate miners who shaped this unique landscape.

A brief summary to Musée de l'Ardoise

Suivre la direction Pôle H. Bazin, 32 Chem. de la Maraîchère, Trélazé, 49800, FR
+33241690471
Visit website

Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
Thursday 9 am-12 pm
Friday 9 am-12 pm
Saturday 2:30 pm-6:30 pm
Sunday 2:30 pm-6:30 pm

Local tips

Check the museum's schedule for slate-splitting demonstrations, as they offer a captivating glimpse into traditional techniques.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking both inside the museum and potentially around the outdoor site.
Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride in the surrounding area to appreciate the unique landscape shaped by centuries of slate mining.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Angers, take bus line 1 or 10 towards Trélazé. Get off at the 'Saint-Lézin' stop, which is the closest to the Musée de l'Ardoise. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 5-minute walk to the museum. Bus tickets cost around €1.50 - €2.
Car

From Angers, follow the D52 towards Trélazé. As you approach Trélazé, follow signs for 'Pôle H. Bazin' and then 'Musée de l'Ardoise'. The museum has a free parking area for cars and coaches. Parking is also available for bicycles.

Discover more about Musée de l'Ardoise

The Musée de l'Ardoise in Trélazé offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and heritage of slate mining in the Anjou region of France. For centuries, the area has been a center for slate extraction, producing the fine roofing slates that characterize the region's architecture. The museum is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century industrial building, once a match factory established in 1864. Inside, visitors can explore the geology of slate, the ancient and modern techniques used to extract it, and the diverse applications of this remarkable material. The exhibits feature a collection of tools, machines, models, and videos that illustrate the evolution of slate mining. One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to witness a traditional slate-splitting demonstration. A skilled craftsman, often nicknamed 'Rossignol,' dons the attire of a bygone era and demonstrates the techniques used to split slate according to historical methods. The museum also provides insight into the lives of the slate miners, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. Discover the stories of the men and women who worked in the quarries, shaping the landscape and the local economy. Beyond the museum's walls, the surrounding area bears witness to the region's slate mining past. Although only ruins remain, a restored massereau (a type of crane) overlooks one of the quarries, a testament to the ingenuity employed to extract slate in the 19th century. The site has been recognized for its significance and has been classified as one of the remarkable sites in the Maine et Loire department since 1993.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Logis Barrault

5.5 km

Explore Angers' oldest mansion, Logis Barrault, now a fine arts museum, showcasing centuries of art and history.

Place Sainte-Croix

5.5 km

Discover Angers' medieval heart at Place Sainte-Croix: history, architecture, and vibrant culture converge in this charming plaza.

Marguerite d'Anjou Statue De Paul Belmondo

5.6 km

A tribute to Queen Margaret of Anjou, this statue by Paul Belmondo stands in Angers, France, honoring her strength and historical significance.

Marguerite d'Anjou Statue De Paul Belmondo

Palais Episcopal

5.6 km

Explore Angers' Palais Episcopal: A historic palace showcasing centuries of religious and architectural heritage next to the Saint-Maurice Cathedral.

Abbaye Toussaint d'Angers

5.6 km

Discover the Abbaye Toussaint d'Angers: Where a historic abbey provides a stunning backdrop for the sculptures of David d'Angers.

Office de Tourisme - Destination Angers

5.7 km

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Made In Angers

5.7 km

Explore Angers like a local with Made In Angers, your premier sightseeing tour agency for immersive cultural experiences and historical adventures.

Cité médiévale

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Step back in time and explore Angers' Cité Médiévale, a charming quarter of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture next to the Château d'Angers.

Ancienne ville d'Angers, Angers

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Discover the enchanting Ancienne Ville of Angers: a historical treasure trove with medieval streets, architectural gems, and captivating cultural experiences.

Ancien couvent des frères Sacs (et des Augustins).

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Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Ancien couvent des frères Sacs, a captivating landmark in Angers, France.

Ancien couvent des frères Sacs (et des Augustins).

Former Convent of the Baumette

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Château de Montreuil-Bellay

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Château de Brézé

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Confluence de la Loire et de la Vienne

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Château du Lude

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Unmissable attractions to see

Park Ardoisières

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Séquoia Arbre le plus grand du maine et loire

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Séquoia Arbre le plus grand du maine et loire

Château de Pignerolle

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Discover the Château de Pignerolle in Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou: a neoclassical gem with a rich history set within a sprawling 80-hectare park.

Square des Mortiers

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Explore the serene Square des Mortiers in Angers, a perfect park for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying nature’s beauty.

Jardin de la Madeleine

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Skoubi-Parc

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Square Jeanne d'Arc

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Arboretum Gaston Allard

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Parc de l'Arboretum

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Parc Bellefontaine

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Parc du Pin (Rue du Pin)

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Jardin de la Roseraie

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Fresque murale

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Le jardin du Mail

5.0 km

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La Maison Bleue

5.2 km

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Experience the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine at Trésors du Liban in Angers – where every dish tells a story.

Explore French fashion at Grain de Malice in Angers, a chic women's clothing store offering stylish outfits and unique accessories.

Mélidoumélo

5.4 km

Explore Mélidoumélo, a charming gift shop in Angers, where unique handcrafted treasures await your discovery.

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Le Ti'bar, a top bar in Angers known for its lively atmosphere and excellent drink selection.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Musée de l'Ardoise: A Journey into the Heart of Slate Mining

A brief summary to Musée de l'Ardoise

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Car

Unlock the Best of Musée de l'Ardoise

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Musée de l'Ardoise

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Logis Barrault

Place Sainte-Croix

Marguerite d'Anjou Statue De Paul Belmondo

Palais Episcopal

Abbaye Toussaint d'Angers

Office de Tourisme - Destination Angers

Made In Angers

Cité médiévale

Ancienne ville d'Angers, Angers

Ancien couvent des frères Sacs (et des Augustins).

Former Convent of the Baumette

Château de Montreuil-Bellay

Château de Brézé

Confluence de la Loire et de la Vienne

Château du Lude

Unmissable attractions to see

Park Ardoisières

Séquoia Arbre le plus grand du maine et loire

Château de Pignerolle

Square des Mortiers

Jardin de la Madeleine

Skoubi-Parc

Square Jeanne d'Arc

Arboretum Gaston Allard

Parc de l'Arboretum

Parc Bellefontaine

Parc du Pin (Rue du Pin)

Jardin de la Roseraie

Fresque murale

Le jardin du Mail

La Maison Bleue

Essential places to dine

Le Mail Restaurant - Cuisine Bistronomique - Angers

Loire&Sens au Fief de la Thioire

CHEZ PAUL

Le 15 Gourmand

Restaurant Envol

Mémé dans les orties

Restaurant La Boucherie

Le Boudoir

Sawasdee Bangkok ANGERS

Ernest Inn Angers

Provence Caffé

Brasserie Milord

La chouette - Restaurant/Bar

Lili Gourmande

Trésors du Liban - Restaurant Angers

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

La Galerie - Espace Anjou

L'Atelier Coquille

Flying Tiger Copenhagen Angers

La Fée Maraboutée

Palais des Thés

Galeries Lafayette Angers

Fishbrain BOUTIQUE

Magasins Galeries Lafayette

DUNE BOUTIQUE ANGERS

Nature and Discoveries

Sapotille

Cabaia - La paillote Angevine

L'Esprit Du Chaudron (Angers)

Grain de Malice

Mélidoumélo

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Black Peat

Le Falstaff

LE MOJO

Matt Murphy's