Espace Pierres Folles, Geology and fossil museum

The museum will close for renovation on May 31, 2020 and reopen in 2025.

THE MUSEUM
The museum's collections reveal the astonishing mineral wealth of the Beaujolais region.
Come and admire the abundant fossils from the Pierres Dorées region, including the magnificent cast of a giant ichthyosaur unearthed locally, as well as the many cut flints, polished axes and other tools from the Pôle de Préhistoire Beaujolaise.
Let us take you to the heart of a land of character: the Beaujolais region! Here, geology and subsoil resources play a key role in shaping the landscape, soils, flora, vines and wine, as well as people, their habitats and activities.

THE GEOLOGY TRAIL
The geological trail, equipped with interpretive panels, invites you to discover the life-size geological history inscribed in the subsoil and landscape of the Beaujolais region. The geological terrain here is spectacular, with its diversity of rocks, its variety of colors and the magnificent fault line running along the preserved cliff face of a former quarry site.
Under your feet and in front of you are ancient marine sediments formed when a tropical sea occupied the Beaujolais region 150 to 200 million years ago!

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Covering almost 2 hectares, the Pierres Folles botanical garden brings together 530 species of wild flora from Lyon and the Beaujolais region.
The botanical conservatory's landscaping, rigorous labeling and cultural and scientific information panels make it an ideal place for education and discovery for all publics.

RELAXATION AREA & ACTIVITIES
On the geological and botanical site, there's a vast play and picnic area (with lawn, tables, shade and water) for relaxing with family and friends. A dinosaur-toboggan can be climbed by children...

Fossil excavation workshops every Tuesday and Thursday during the spring and summer school vacations, by prior arrangement. Adults and children aged 7 and over.
Micopercussion fossil excavation workshops every Wednesday during spring, summer and All Saints' vacations (booking required). Children / Adults. Ages 8 and up.

On reservation, various activities are also available for groups: guided tours of the museum, the geological trail or the botanical garden; fun and educational workshops (fossil research, excavation or casting, botanical discoveries / From 7 years).