Silver Mine Frankish kings, Poitou Charentes Travel Guide

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Unearth the secrets of medieval mining at the Silver Mine of the Frankish Kings, a historical treasure in Melle, France. Explore ancient tunnels and Carolingian heritage.

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Silver Mine Frankish kings

Explore the Silver Mine of the Frankish Kings in Melle, one of Europe's oldest silver mines, dating back to the 7th century. Discover the mining techniques used during the reigns of Frankish kings like Dagobert and Charlemagne, and learn about the mine's crucial role in producing currency for the Carolingian Empire.

A brief summary to Silver Mine Frankish kings

Rue Pré du Gué, Melle, 79500, FR
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Monday 10 am-12 pm
Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
Thursday 10 am-12 pm
Friday 10 am-12 pm
Saturday 10 am-12 pm
Sunday 10 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Silver Mine Frankish kings.

Check the tour schedule in advance, as hours may vary, especially on weekends.
Tours are primarily in French; consider bringing a French-speaking friend or a translation app.
Wear comfortable shoes as the mine's terrain can be uneven and potentially slippery.
The temperature in the galleries is 13°C (55°F) year-round, so bring a jacket.

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Getting There

Car

From Poitiers, take the A10 motorway towards Niort. Take exit 32 towards Melle and continue on the D150 until you reach Melle. Follow signs to Rue Pré du Gué. Parking is available near the entrance.
Public Transport

Melle is accessible by train and bus. From the Melle train station, it's approximately a 20-minute walk (1.6km). Alternatively, local buses connect the station to the town center, from which you can walk to the mines. Bus tickets cost approximately €2.
Walking

From the center of Melle, follow the signs towards Rue Pré du Gué. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering a pleasant stroll through the town. The Silver Mine Frankish kings is located at Rue Pré du Gué, 79500 Melle.

Discover more about Silver Mine Frankish kings

Delve into the heart of medieval history at the Silver Mine of the Frankish Kings, nestled in Melle. These mines, dating back to the 7th century, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and industry of the Carolingian era. During the reigns of Frankish kings such as Dagobert and Charlemagne, the mines were a vital source of silver, essential for minting coins that fueled the empire's economy. Melle was also the largest mine in the entire Carolingian Empire.A visit to the Silver Mine offers a unique glimpse into the past. Descend into the depths and explore the ancient tunnels, where miners toiled to extract silver galena, a valuable ore. Guided tours, enhanced with 3D films and sound and light presentations, vividly illustrate the mining and metallurgical techniques of the time. Learn about the entire process, from extracting the raw materials to separating silver from lead and crafting it into currency.Beyond the mines themselves, discover the Carolingian garden, showcasing over 130 medicinal, food, and textile plants used in the Middle Ages. The on-site museum displays mining tools and lamps, offering a tangible connection to the lives of the miners who worked here. With over 10,000 Carolingian coins, the Melle workshop is an invaluable archeological treasure.