Men have been mining the Hurtières massif since Roman times, exploiting its riches. Initially, copper and silver were the coveted commodities, but iron became the mainstay of mining operations.
Closed at the beginning of the 20th century, this site is an authentic testimony to the singularity of Alpine mining and the evolution of ore extraction and transportation techniques over the centuries.
Le Grand Filon - Musée du Fer tells the story of the men and women involved in what was once Savoie's largest metal mining operation.
The hamlet of La Minière, once populated by miners' families, is a veritable time machine! The museum exhibition evokes this past, from geological times to mining. Through films, illustrations and objects, follow the progression from ore to tool, and discover the transformation of iron.
Around the museum, stroll through the metallurgical park. In the hamlet of La Minière, visit the miners' chapel or the school museum, where you'll find yourself in the atmosphere of a 1930s classroom in the hamlet school.
Gallery visits:
- Saint Louis gallery: general public
- La galerie Sainte-Barbe: sports enthusiasts aged 8 and over.
Other offers :
- Workshops for children (during school vacations)
- Orienteering course
- Underground Escape Game (from 12-13 years).
Relaxation break in the Bistrot des Mineurs room. Snack bar in summer only.
Dedicated store
Tips
Free for children under 6.
Family workshops on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in summer, according to program.
Services for children
Outdoor play areas.
Baby services.
History, culture and heritage
The Hurtières mining site is an important part of Savoie's history. Producing metals (iron, copper, silver) since at least 1289, it was the site of the first monetary workshop of the Savoy Counts at Aiguebelle, and until the end of the 19th century it was a major pole for the extraction of "natural steel".
In the industrial era, the Schneider company twinned the site with Allevard to produce high-quality steels.
Le Grand Filon is home to two archives that are of major importance to the history and understanding of mining in Savoie and the Alps.
- The GRANGE archive: the GRANGE family owned the Hurtières mining concession from 1802 to 1969. This is a very important collection, both in terms of the volume of documents it contains (378 registers, 29 plans and 118 archive boxes) and in terms of the invaluable information it provides on the realities of mining and industrial life in the Maurienne region.
- The DABROWSKI archive: Professor and geologist Henri DABROWSKI devoted a large part of his career to the study and research of mining in the Alps. This collection includes expert reports and research reports, plans, photos, specialized works, various topographical and geological documents, as well as field equipment.
These two collections are preserved and can be consulted on the Grand Filon premises, in accordance with the standards of the Archives Départementales.
Le Grand Filon is supported by a scientific council, made up of researchers and conservation professionals, who ensure the quality of the site's actions and content, while providing input for research.
Ouverture
From 01/04 to 15/07/2025, daily.
Open on request (by reservation) or according to program.
From 16/07 to 01/09/2025, daily between 11 am and 6 pm.
From 02/09 to 18/10/2025, daily.
Tarifs
- Museum only
4€ : full price
2€ : reduced price
(6 to 16 years old)
Free for children under 6
- Visit Saint-Louis :
Museum + Appli + Gallery
8€ : full price
5€ : reduced rate
(6 to 16 years old)
Free for children under 6
- Visit Sainte-Barbe :
Museum + Guided Gallery
20€ : full price
15€ : reduced rate
(from 8 to 16 years old)
Free for children under 6.
Group rate for 15 people or more.
* Reduced rates: under 18s, pass cards, students, large families, jobseekers and disabled people (on presentation of proof).
Group rates for 10 people or more
Contact et accès
1514 route de la Minière
73220 Saint-Georges-d'Hurtières
Savoie (73)
