Musée de Paléontologie Christian Guth
About This Museum
Tucked away in the sleepy, volcanic village of Chilhac, this museum is a delightful time capsule dedicated to the 'Christian Guth' collection. Stepping inside feels less like entering a sterile institution and more like rummaging through a naturalist's wonderfully cluttered cabinet of curiosities. The air is quiet and slightly dusty, filled with the weight of ancient history. It’s a place where you can get nose-to-nose with fossils pulled directly from the local hills, a truly intimate paleontological experience.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the stunning skull of Anancus arvernensis, a massive prehistoric elephant relative that looks like it could have wandered through the Auvergne yesterday. The star of the show, however, is arguably the complete skeleton of a hipparion, a graceful three-toed horse that once roamed this very region millions of years ago.
Visitor Information
It's small and personal, so you won't need more than an hour or two—perfect for a detour after exploring the village itself. Just check their seasonal opening times online before you make the trip, as hours can be limited.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a charming, unassuming stone building right on the village square (Place de l'église), it blends seamlessly into the historic fabric of Chilhac.
Contact & Location
Address: Place de l'Église, Chilhac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France métropolitaine, 43380, France
Phone: +33 4 71 77 47 26
Website: Visit Website
