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Mine de Cuivre

Historic site and monument, Industrial site, Mine in Saint-Véran

  • A few kilometres from Saint-Véran, as you head deeper into the valley on the route de Clausis, you can see the remains of copper ore mining: bornite, 45% rich.

  • This contemporary mine was opened at the start of the 20th century with varying degrees of success.
    It never recovered from the major floods of 1957 and was shuttered in 1960. It has an extensive network of galleries, which are unfortunately no longer accessible today.
    This site was also in operation 4,000 years ago. This was the Chalcolithic Age, when native copper was extracted and metallurgy was practised using processes that have left their mark on this major archaeological site...
    This contemporary mine was opened at the start of the 20th century with varying degrees of success.
    It never recovered from the major floods of 1957 and was shuttered in 1960. It has an extensive network of galleries, which are unfortunately no longer accessible today.
    This site was also in operation 4,000 years ago. This was the Chalcolithic Age, when native copper was extracted and metallurgy was practised using processes that have left their mark on this major archaeological site (roasting, reduction of ore).
    Be inspired by the magic of this industrial heritage by taking the long ""in the footsteps of the miners"" circuit from the village, or a shorter circuit from the marble quarry.

    A small exhibition on the mine has been set up in a former communal oven in the village, in the Forannes neighbourhood.
Openings
Openings
  • From May 1, 2025 until November 15, 2025
    Open Everyday
    * Route de Clausis closed to traffic. Shuttle bus only in July/August.
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