The L'Ardoise museum is located in the town of Trélazé, in the department of Maine-et-Loire, a few kilometers southeast of Angers.
It was created within a former mining site dedicated to the extraction and production of slates.
The establishment has exhibition rooms in a former factory and offers slate splitting demonstrations.
Via models, video projections, the presentation of old machines and tools, the evolution of the technique of specialized workers in this emblematic industry of the region is explained.
The museum highlights some 600 years of know-how linked to slate shale, Anjou's rich heritage.
In addition to the 300 m² exhibition, the public attends demonstrations of “old-fashioned” slate work.
The visit can be completed with a walk in a three-hectare park set up on the sites of former open-air quarries and mounds created from residue. Bird Protection League shelters are located there.
Temporary exhibitions, workshops, special events for young audiences, and conferences are regularly scheduled.
Open Tuesday to Friday in low season and Tuesday to Sunday in July and August. Annual closure between Christmas and mid-January. Price: from 4.80 to 8 euros. Information on +33 2 41 69 04 71.
