SITES AND MONUMENTS

Bruoux ochre mining tunnels

Gargas owns the only area able to show the whole history of ochre processing, from the beginnings to the present day and last ochre industry in activity.
One remembers here, that in the past, ochre was extracted from the ground, at the light of a gas lamp, a pickaxe at hand. From 1880 to 1950, over 50 km of mining tunnels were dug into the cliffs. The remnants of the old Janselme mine « la carrière de Bruoux » is now open to the public. A 650 meters long trail has been created in a spectacular site, combining both nature and history treasures.
Impressive tunnels, cone-shaped or arched from 5 to 12 meters high design a genuine underground cathedral ; an immersion into the aesthetic quality of ochre that pays tribute to the ochre diggers, both quarrymen and artists. Outside, a large promenade, a park, walking paths, a reception centre fitting perfectly in the site, an open air theatre with ochre walls to exhibit events in a unique background.
Mines d’ocre de Bruoux – Gargas T. +33 (0)4 90 06 22 59 www.minesdebruoux.fr Guided visits (groups de 18 pers. max) : Open from 13th of march to 14th of november. 7,50€/pers. (5,50€ with the touristic passport, and children before 10) – visit : 40 minutes.