The Cap Garonne mine museum
Mineralogical exploration in Le PradetJourney to the heart of the earth
In the Colle Noire forest massif, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the former copper mines of Cap Garonne in Le Pradet rank among the five most beautiful mineralogical sites on the planet. The variety and richness of their crystals have attracted researchers from all over the world for many years.
5 good reasons to visit the Cap Garonne mine museum
- A fun and educational experience
- Delving into the miners’ past
- Get excited about the diversity of minerals
- Walk the sea-view paths around the museum
- Admire the red rocks of Cape Garonne
A leap into the history of underground mining
Once you’ve donned the helmet provided at the entrance, you enter the 300-meter-long galleries of the former copper mines. The museum gradually immerses you in the depths of the mines of yesteryear. Learn about the history of the miners through reproductions of scenes. An exciting adventure for the whole family.
Tools and minerals
The richness of this museum lies in its collection. From the rudimentary tools used by the first miners to the sophisticated machines that revolutionized the industry, each piece tells a story. Carbide lamps, pickaxes, archive photos and scale models illustrate how work was done in the mines. Minerals from all over the world are presented in a special room, where azurite, malachite and quartz amaze the uninitiated and connoisseurs alike.
Paths strewn with hidden treasures
The Musée de la Mine is set in a natural setting with a unique view of the Îles d’Hyères and Toulon harbor from the summit of Cap Garonne. Get your cameras ready, as the view from the heights is remarkable. A path has been laid out and a “discovery trail”, with information panels and orientation tables, allows you to discover the diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the built heritage dating back to the mining era. During your walk, you’ll learn about the type of vegetation that developed on the mine scree, how the forest is evolving, and how copper mining was organized. An easy idea for a walk before or after your visit to the museum.
Our advice
The temperature in the galleries, in summer and winter, is around 15°C: remember to wrap up warm.