Mine Témoin d'Alès

The mine is mainly horizontal except for 20 steps. Facilities include picnic area, free parking, shop with souvenirs, books, mining lamps, fossils ferns.

The mine is good example of the state of the earth during the carboniferous era. Five passages representing the five epochs of mining between 1880 and 1960 allowing visitors to understand the spectacular developments which have taken place in mining over the last century. The commentary and anecdotes of the guides add a human dimension to the visit. The work here has ensured that this remains an authentic place reflecting the work of miner for years to come. Since its commencement as a mine in 1840, the coal of the regions has provided work for the inhabitants and brought prosperity to the area. At the height of its productivity in 1947, the mine employed 23,000 workers

Text by Tony Oldham (2003). With kind permission.