Musée de l'Ardoise
About This Museum
Tucked away in Trélazé, the Musée de l'Ardoise isn't your typical art or history museum; it's a gritty, hands-on tribute to the region's slate-mining past. You can almost feel the ghost of the 'ardoisiers'—the slate workers—in the air here. The entire site is a living monument to an industry that once roofed France, telling a story written in stone and sweat. It’s a profoundly local and sensory experience.
Collection Highlights
The real stars are the massive, intimidating machines used to cut and split the slate, some of which you can see in action during demonstrations. Don't miss the 'splitting' exhibit, where you witness how a single block is deftly cleaved into thin, resonant sheets. Personal items from miners and a stunning display of different slate tiles show the human skill behind this tough trade.
Visitor Information
Wear sturdy shoes because this isn't a polished gallery—it's an authentic industrial site. The guided tours are fantastic, often led by passionate ex-miners who bring the place to life with personal stories. Check their website for demo times; seeing a master splitter at work is unforgettable.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed within the original, weathered industrial buildings of a former slate quarry, all rust-colored brick and functional 19th-century architecture that feels completely of its place.
Contact & Location
Address: Musée de l'Ardoise, Chemin de la Maraichère, Les Petits Carreaux, Trélazé, Angers, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire, France métropolitaine, 49800, France
Phone: +33 2 41 69 04 71
Website: Visit Website
