Embark on a journey to the heart of the Earth!

Nestled in a forest massif overlooking the Méditerranée, this former copper mine is today a popular site both for mineralogy enthusiasts and those in search of adventure and discovery. The ancient mines are among the most beautiful mineralogical sites in the world, attracting researchers and visitors from the four corners of the globe. The diversity and richness of the minerals recorded make this place a true geological treasure. The 133 different minerals found here, including some extremely rare specimens, testify to the scientific and historical importance of this unique site.

FASCINATING HISTORY

Discovered by a potter in the 17th century, the mine did not contain gold but copper. It was not until the 19th century that it was truly exploited. Abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century, it served as a mushroom farm for a time. In the 1970s, the mineral craze attracted looters who took away many rare specimens. Faced with this danger, an intercommunal syndicate was created, bringing together the municipalities of Le Pradet, La Garde, and Carqueiranne, to preserve this precious site. In 1994, the Mine de Cap Garonne museum opened its doors, and today, more than 750,000 visitors have already explored its mysterious galleries. The visit is much more than a simple stroll through a mining site: it is a true journey to the heart of the Earth. Walking through the ancient copper galleries, visitors can imagine the working conditions of the miners who spent hours in the dark, under the flickering light of flames, to extract this precious metal. Throughout the tour, young and old alike discover the fascinating history of mining in the region, as well as the beauty of the infinitely small through minerals of surprising colors and shapes. Cap Garonne also plunges you into the legend of the pirates of the Méditerranée through a fascinating exhibition. Discover the famous Trésor de Cap Garonne, linked to pirates and their mysterious passage through the region. A fun experience awaits visitors, with fluorescent sculptures of pirate faces created by the association ALBA, and even a shipwrecked boat in the galleries, where pirate treasures are to be discovered!

ESPRIT PARC

The museum is labeled 'Esprit Parc', which rewards environmentally friendly actions and the preservation of natural sites. In this regard, Christian Garnier, president of the intercommunal syndicate of the museum, explains: 'This label is a guarantee of quality and commitment to preserving the natural heritage while offering a unique and environmentally friendly tourism experience. The mine is an extraordinary place combining mining heritage, geological exploration, local history, and pirate legends. If you have not yet had the chance to discover it, it is an absolute must-visit to dive into the depths of history and nature. Whether you are passionate about minerals, curious about history, or a lover of breathtaking landscapes, this site offers an unforgettable experience.'

The museum is open all year round, regardless of the weather, and welcomes a limited number of visitors to preserve the quality of the experience. The museum is located at 1,000, chemin du Baou Rouge in Le Pradet. For more information, you can contact the museum at 04 94 08 32 46 or by email at info@mine-capgaronne.fr. You can also visit the website: www.mine-capgaronne.fr.

The museum offers an immersion into the history of this extraction thanks to several captivating themes: The life of miners: an immersion into the daily lives of the workers who forged the history of the site. Minerals and precious stones: a discovery of the thousand and one wonders of mineralogy. The geological history of the Earth: understanding the evolution of our planet and the origin of minerals. Les sables du Var: an exploration of local natural resources. The galleries of the mine: a journey into the bowels of the Earth to understand copper mining.