Bertrix Slate Mine


Useful Information

Location: At Bertrix, near Neufchateau. A4 (E25) exit #25, N89 west 5 km to Bertrix.
Open: APR to SEP Tue-Sun, Hol 10-18, last tour 17.
OCT to 13-NOV Sat, Sun 10-18, last tour 17.
20-NOV to 12-DEC Sat 14-17:30, last tour 16:30, Sun 10-13, last tour 12.
18-DEC to 02-JAN daily 14-17:30, last tour 16:30.
All other time for groups after appointment.
Closed 20-DEC, 25-DEC, 26-DEC, 01-JAN.
[2010]
Fee: Adults EUR 9.50, Children (6-12) EUR 5.50, Students EUR 8, Seniors EUR 8.
Groups (20+): Adults EUR 8.450, Children (6-12) EUR 5, Students EUR 7, Seniors EUR 7.
[2010]
Classification: MineSlate Mine
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Domaine de la Morepire s.a.f.s., Rue du Babinay, 1, B-6880 Bertrix, Tel: +32-61-414521, Fax : 061-414554. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

The Bertrix Slate Mine is advertised with the slogan Au Coeur de l'Ardoise, in the heart of the Ardennes. This mines were used to mine the most typical stone of the Ardennes, which was used for many purposes, especially covering the roof and the walls of the buildings. As a result, the architecture of this landscape is dominated by this dark grey, a little blueish rock. The slate was mined in quarries and underground, but here at Bertrix is an underground mine open to the public.

The mine tour goes down 25 m deep underground. There is a cable car, which was used to transport the slate, a ride is part of the tour. The rest is done walking on slates. The regular tour is without guides, which has to be paid extra. But all visitors get electronic audio guides, which explain the mining techniques and the life of miners. They are available in different languages and allow the visitors to take as much time as they want.

Beneath the regular tours there are various special tours. There is one tour for school pupils and one for groups which includes typical miners' meals.