Historical monument and heritage.

Don't hesitate to embark on this exceptional excursion! A route of approximately 80 km, through magnificent landscapes in the Écrins National Park, will take you from La Roche des Arnauds to the historic Fournel Silver Mine passing through Gap, Embrun, Savines-le-lac, the Durance river, etc. 

From the Middle Ages (10th, 13th centuries), the silver deposit in the Vallon du Fournel was known and exploited.

Miners then used the ancient technique of fire to extract the rock and dig galleries up to 150 meters per day, extracting up to half a ton per square meter! Mining ceased during the Renaissance and only resumed four centuries later in the 19th century, this time using gunpowder to blast the rock blocks. The extracted ore is of the galena, mixture of lead and silver local coins were minted, among other places, in the mints of Embrun, Grenoble, and Cesana in Italy. Accompanied by a guide, explore the area in approximately 2.5 hours. 20km of underground tunnels to see the work carried out at different times and to appreciate how difficult the extraction was. 

This mining operation led to considerable economic growth in the region and also to a large influx of Italian immigrants who came to bolster the local workforce for the arduous mining tasks performed by the miners and coal washers. The mine also provides ongoing employment for all sorts of craftsmen (blacksmiths, carpenters, masons) and supports muleteers, carters, woodcutters, and various suppliers.

Visit the mining villageabove ground, you'll find the forges, workshops, and manager's house, while underground, you can see the engine room with its pump and winch. If you'd like to learn more, you'll find... at the Museum, all additional information, with explanatory panels and exhibitions. You will learn, among other things, that 500 people worked in this mining activity in the factory built at the bottom of the gorges and, that between 1785 and 1908, during the industrial revolution, several mining companies succeeded one another to extract the precious ore digging the vein up to 300m under the mountain until its exhaustion in 1908.

Since 1992 and continuing to this day, efforts have been underway to revitalize the site and restore its value. To rehabilitate this exceptional industrial heritage, archaeological digs and volunteer workcamps are being organized.

Escape game

Do you enjoy games, investigations, puzzles, thrills, emotions, and laughter with family or friends? Then don't hesitate, experience a Escape Game !

You will be taken prisoner deep within the mine, and you will need all your wit, observation skills, and logic to solve the puzzles and free yourself. And you will have learned all the secrets… or almost all… of this unique site!

You will leave with your head full of extraordinary images, new knowledge, new sensations and, therefore… you will return richer from this memorable excursion!

And never, no never will you forget the Fournel mine L'Argentière-la-Bessée which lives up to its name!