Maison de l'Ardoise

Slate is a major element of Rimogne's heritage, a former key center of slate mining in France for several centuries. Even today, this activity has left a very visible mark on the village streets as well as on many buildings and houses.

Upon arriving in the village, you'll immediately notice the typical row of old slate workers' houses, as well as the retaining walls of the "verdous," piles of waste from the extraction process. Your gaze will soon be drawn to the metal headframe of the Saint-Quentin mine shaft, which rises to a height of approximately 25 meters in the heart of the village and is practically its symbol. It once housed the winch of a lift that, until 1970, overlooked the last active mine.

The visit continues at the Slate House, located in the former power station buildings of the slate quarries. Completely redesigned, this museum now offers a modern and immersive experience retracing the history of slate mining from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Thanks to an interactive approach, you will feel as if you are descending into the mine. Equipped with a tablet and accompanied by the voice of a slate worker, you will discover the extraction techniques as well as the living conditions of the workers and their families, before leaning over an impressive 185-meter-deep shaft.

The Slate House is also a vibrant cultural venue, regularly hosting exhibitions and artistic events in a remarkable setting. To extend the experience, it is possible to stay on-site in comfortable cottages, converted from the former brickworks buildings.

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