The Cap Garonne mine

Set in a unique forest massif overlooking the Mediterranean, the former copper mines of Cap Garonne are among the five most beautiful mineralogical sites in the world.

In 1862, Napoleon III gave the go-ahead for a copper and lead concession. Operated for over fifty years, the mine has had an eventful history. From 1918, when mining ceased, the Cap Garonne site was plagued by problems of safety and protection against looting.

The mayors of the neighboring towns of La Garde, Le Pradet and Carqueiranne joined forces in 1977 to found an inter-municipal syndicate. The main objectives of this syndicate were to preserve, develop and manage the former Cap Garonne mines.

The museum was opened to the public in July 1994, thanks to the efforts of the syndicate.