The mining past of the Cevennes

The Cévennes and their basins, including in particular Alès and La Grand’Combe, experienced their first hours of industrial glory during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, largely thanks to one of the riches present in large quantities in their subsoil: coal. The mining then rhythms the daily life of hundreds and then thousands of people.

But the history of coal in the Cevennes begins long before… it is even one of the oldest in France, which begins in the thirteenth century. At that time, of course, the means were rudimentary and one did not go down several hundred meters into the ground: one simply dug holes a few meters deep.

Thus, it took much longer than one might imagine before the large-scale exploitation of this mineral became the driving force of the local industry for more than 200 years.

Coming to the Miner’s House will allow you to discover the so-called surface work, which is often misunderstood and yet essential.

On this site, you will pass through the gigantic hanging room, where miners changed and hung their belongings. This room houses hundreds of historical artifacts. You will then see the Ricard Shaft headframe, which sent miners 800 meters deep.

This is a moment rich in history that awaits you and that you will appreciate even more in the company of a guide, passionate about his work and fascinating for his knowledge and anecdotes. The climax of the visit probably occurs during the discovery of the engine room, which gives the vertigo and allows to understand the difficulties of all these trades related to the mine.