This former ochre quarry, unique in Europe, with its 40 km of underground galleries tempered at 10° c all year round and its masterly tawny-coloured entrance, offers an astonishing and fascinating visit.
Gothic entrance and ochre facade...
At the foot of the quarry's entrance wall, the effect is stunning, the whole titanic... Think 40 km of gallery, 100km of exploitation, 150 miners...
With your guide, you are on your way in the footsteps of the ocriers. In 1928, 40,000 tons were produced in this way!
You wander through the belly of the mine and its galleries, narrow and very high, some of them up to 15 m high.
The 650 m course is paved with spotlights that project their halo on the walls. Their crenellated relief bears witness to the daily pickaxe blows of the former ocher and the progress of their work can be clearly seen in places. You walk between the utensils and the shades of ochre... And you even come across a gallery that was used to cultivate the famous "mushroom of Paris". In fact, the mushroom farms of Gargas produced up to 700 tons per year until 2007.
The Société des Ocres de France still exploits the last open-air ochre quarry in Europe at Gargas and produces 800 T / year of pigments used in cosmetics, painting...
Other ochre sites to visit in the Luberon
The Ochre Trail in Roussillon: a must-see hike through a vibrantly colored canyon shaped by ochre mining.
The Provençal Colorado in Rustrel: a spectacular landscape reminiscent of the American West, created by erosion and former ochre quarries.
The Mathieu Ochre Factory and the Ôkhra Ecomuseum in Roussillon: a unique place where you can discover both the process of transforming ochre into natural pigments and the associated artisanal skills
To visit the Bruoux Mines, reservations are required and can only be made by calling +33 (0)4 90 06 22 59. Guided tours last 60 minutes, take place at set times, and are limited to 30 people.
It is essential that you arrive at the reception desk at least 20 minutes before the tour begins to ensure your participation.
Bruoux Mines
1434 Route de Croagnes
84400 Gargas
Tel: 04 90 06 22 59
https://www.destinationluberon.com/page/mines-d-ocre-de-bruoux+50312.html
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