Exposition : "Pierres secrètes, histoires et archéologie de nos terroirs"

The archaeological wealth of the "Lamartinian Valley", beyond the emblematic site of Solutré, has been well known since the 19th century. Discover the ancient history of this area thanks to this exhibition in the heart of the monks' chapel.

The exhibition is organised by the Groupement Archéologique du Mâconnais (GAM) with the support of the Institut de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives (Inrap), the "Terres secrètes" cellar in Prissé and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux in Cluny.

In the lower chapel - On monument opening days and times

Free admission.

Recommended for children aged 12 and over.

[...] Every day, the farmer's pick brings to light polished axes scattered everywhere [...] - De Fréminville, 1878.

The archaeological wealth of the "Lamartinian Valley", beyond the emblematic site of Solutré, has been well known since the 19th century. Farming is one of the main human activities that have revealed the existence of archaeological sites that bear witness to our past. Archaeologists have often used this data to determine the locations of their research, which this exhibition will present through the results obtained in this area over more than 70 years. This exhibition, scheduled for the 2026 summer season, will be held in two locations: the monks' chapel in Berzé-la-Ville and the "Terres secrètes" cellar in Prissé.

In the small chapel at Berzé-la-Ville, panels will present certain aspects of the area's ancient history. After outlining the age and importance of the Petite Grosne and Fil valleys, which link the Val de Saône to the Cluny region, religious and funerary practices from the Gallo-Roman period will be presented, in harmony with the sacred space that this site represents. There will also be a panel devoted to a new method of archaeological investigation, LIDAR. This technique, used in the commune of Sologny, has revealed an entire agricultural landscape that has now been forgotten.

The Prissé cellar will provide an overview of human occupation from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. The Gallic, Gallo-Roman and medieval periods will be highlighted, as will a panel illustrating the history of wine in Gaul. A number of objects from GAM's research will also be on display to illustrate the exhibition.

Both exhibitions will be open to the public during the opening hours of each venue:

Opening at Berzé-la-Ville on Thursday 25 June.

Opening at Prissé on Saturday 27 June.