Pierre Martel Museum in Vachères: fossils and archaeology

In the hilltop village of Vachères, the Pierre Martel Museum brings together evidence of a rich geological and human past. Fossils, flint tools and a cast of the Vachères warrior form the visitor route.

The heritage of Vachères

Perched in the north-western Luberon, Vachères preserves evidence of a long human and geological history. Finds from the surrounding area are presented in the Pierre Martel Museum, housed in the village’s former school.

“Memory of stones, memory of people”: the museum combines palaeontology, prehistory and archaeology to explore the area.

The museum was founded in 1959 to bring together local finds that had previously been dispersed. Rooms in the village school housed the first collections.

Protection of the geological heritage and the efforts of residents and researchers contributed to the museum’s redevelopment in 1997.

Exploring the museum

The fossils include a remarkable Bachitherium, a small Oligocene ruminant. Fish, insects and plants also reveal the ancient environments of the Luberon.

The archaeological collection includes flint tools and a cast of the famous Vachères warrior. The original statue, discovered in the commune in the nineteenth century, is held at the Musée Lapidaire in Avignon; the Vachères museum displays a copy.

The collections connect landscapes, fossils and human activities. The photographs in this feature show the rooms and objects as they appeared during our visit.

Opening is seasonal and visits by appointment are possible. Consult the Luberon Park’s information and confirm with the museum: +33 4 92 75 62 15.

Getting to Vachères

GPS coordinates: N 43°55′51″ — E 5°38′14″.

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