Discover La Machine through its mining heritage. The Musée de la Mine explores the history of coal mining and the miners; visitors can also learn about the techniques used in the training mine and choose from several walking routes of varying lengths and character. This lets you choose the focus of your stay: the museum and mining history, technical interpretation, or an outdoor route. The named walking routes differ not only in distance but also, in the case of the Circuit jaune, in their mix of urban and woodland sections.
Museum and the History of Mining
The Musée de la Mine is housed in the former headquarters of the «Houillères». Its focus is the history of coal mining and the miners. The former headquarters and the museum’s exhibits offer different perspectives: the building points to the administration of the mining industry, while the exhibition explores its history and the people whose work was connected with it. Since 17 September 2003, the museum has held the designation “Musée de France”.
Discover the Training Mine
The former training mine gallery offers a different perspective: visitors learn about coal extraction, support techniques, and safety measures. The visit takes place exclusively by the light of miners’ lamps. This lighting shapes the experience itself, while the topics covered address practical aspects of extraction and safety. Those particularly interested in technical processes will find a different focus here from the museum’s history of mining and miners.
Plan Your 2026 Visit
Visits to the Puits des Glénons are normally available in 2026; a time slot must be reserved in advance. Include this reservation in your plans and check the arrangements well before your trip.
Choose a Walking Route by Distance
The Circuit de la ville is a 2 km urban walking route through La Machine’s mining heritage. The Circuit des cités minières is 3.5 km long, with an optional 3.7 km extension. This gives you a shorter loop and a longer main route with an additional distance option. If you are choosing by distance, the first route is the shorter option; with the second, you can factor in the extension when planning.
The Circuit jaune combines sections through town and woodland. Along the way, the Étang Grenetier offers the opportunity to picnic or stop for a meal. This route can be distinguished not only by its mix of urban surroundings and woodland: the Étang also provides a chance to take a break during your walk.
Mining Traditions and Sainte-Barbe
The cultural context includes local celebrations and traditions such as Sainte-Barbe, the patron saint of miners. This tradition complements the technical themes with a communal dimension of mining heritage. Those interested in the history of coal mining can explore La Machine from several perspectives: the miners and their work, the methods and safety measures presented, and the traditions handed down around mining.
Discover more destinations: Moussy, Saint-Hilaire-En-Morvan, Planchez, Ville-Langy, Chiddes, Toury-sur-Jour, Sémelay, Saint-Pierre-Le-Moûtier.
Go to the regional travel overview: Nièvre.
