Volvic, stones and water. Volvic, world famous for its water, has other treasures ... Indeed, this city is also the heart of stone crafts, with a world of quarries, and sculptors on lava.
The cave of "Pierre de Volvic". Located north of the Chaîne des Puys, in the Massif Central, 15 kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand, this site offers an exceptional natural environment. As a result of a lava flow from the volcano Nugère that erupted 13,000 years ago, the site was operated as a quarry in the 13th century. The last eruptions of Puy de la Nugère have produced a rock with multiple qualities: trachyandesite. Thanks to an original journey through the heart of this gallery, the story of the "Pierre de Volvic" is depicted. From the origin of the gallery to the daily life of the people of Toulouse, from the hardness of the work to the use of stone, the privileged witnesses of this place become full of emotion. Total immersion: an unusual journey in the heart of a lava flow in 5 stages. Walk for 1h15 in the footsteps of Jean Legay-Chevalier, an important steeper in the 1900s, through the memories of Jules Cotte, his loyal foreman.
SPACE 1: THE OUTDOOR QUARRY AND THE SITE
This reconstruction of an open-air quarry (type 1900) immerses you in this working atmosphere interrupted by the sound of workers, the squeaking of pulleys. The tools that are characteristic of the extraction have found their place: crane horse, cabin, tools (peaks, loads, paint ...). The extraction techniques and hard work of these brave men are explained.
SPACE 2: LAVA AND WATER
Enter the top of the gallery, where you hear the sounds of creaking and underground rumbling. We learn about the volcanic history of Puy de la Nugère that brought this lava flow of trachyandesite to life, as well as the secret of the discovery of Volvic water in the early 20th century. A setback for Volvic, in 1899, there is water shortage in Volvic! It will take until 1927 until water can be reclaimed for the local population.
SPACE 3: THE SPIRIT OF THE ADVENTURES - History and evolution of the quarry
With a view of the top of the gallery, you will become aware of the colossal work in an underground environment, performed by the first steers in the 13th century. The evolution of the exploitation techniques, the emergence of the use of the "Pierre de Volvic" and its many applications over the centuries are related: religious buildings, cemeteries, urban furniture, industrial or craft applications, ...
SPACE 4: DAILY LIFE IN VOLVIC
In this area at the bottom of the gallery you will be welcomed by the sounds of water and quarries ... This space is a tribute to the families of the stony verse and their way of life in the 1900s.
SPACE 5: THE STONE OF THE FUTURE
The "Pierre de Volvic" has evolved over the centuries ... After viewing the gallery and the historical course that connects the stone with its territory, a certainty arises: the "Pierre de Volvic" has left its mark on the region, and even far beyond. ... And she keeps reinventing herself! This new space forms the backdrop: a dynamic staging to absolutely MODERNIZE a material!
Creuse
This reconstruction of an open-air quarry (type 1900) immerses you in this working atmosphere interrupted by the sound of workers, the squeaking of pulleys. The tools that are characteristic of the extraction have found their place: crane horse, cabin, tools (peaks, loads, paint ...). The extraction techniques and hard work of these brave men are explained.
Enter the top of the gallery, where you hear the sounds of creaking and underground rumbling. We learn about the volcanic history of Puy de la Nugère that brought this lava flow of trachyandesite to life, as well as the secret of the discovery of Volvic water in the early 20th century. A setback for Volvic, in 1899, there is water shortage in Volvic! It will take until 1927 until water can be reclaimed for the local population.
With a view of the top of the gallery, you will become aware of the colossal work in an underground environment, performed by the first steers in the 13th century. The evolution of the exploitation techniques, the emergence of the use of the "Pierre de Volvic" and its many applications over the centuries are related: religious buildings, cemeteries, urban furniture, industrial or craft applications, ...
In this area at the bottom of the gallery you will be welcomed by the sounds of water and quarries ... This space is a tribute to the families of the stony verse and their way of life in the 1900s.
The "Pierre de Volvic" has evolved over the centuries ... After viewing the gallery and the historical course that connects the stone with its territory, a certainty arises: the "Pierre de Volvic" has left its mark on the region, and even far beyond. ... And she keeps reinventing herself! This new space forms the backdrop: a dynamic staging to absolutely MODERNIZE a material!
