Alésia MuséoParc
In the footsteps of Vercingetorix

A place of remembrance is emerging in the Auxois countryside. The Alésia visitor centre and new archaeological museum will open to the public in 2012. Today, below the statue of Vercingetorix, you can visit the Gallo-Roman ruins and observe progress on a major European cultural project.

An 'oppidum' and its secrets

Mont-Auxois has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In 52 BC, Gallic knights were routed by Romans and their Germanic allies. Vercingetorix withdrew his troops to the fortified town of Alésia which then suffered the famous siege leading to his defeat.

An historical controversy has raged since the 19th century – is the Mont-Auxois really where the siege of Alésia took place? Historians are today agreed that it is.

The MuséoParc cultural project

From 2012 the Alise-Sainte-Reine district and surrounding villages will welcome visitors to two different venues.

• On Les Laumes plain, the visitor centre will concentrate on the siege of Alésia and the story of France's Gallic origins. Visitors will experience the event from both points of view: besiegers and besieged.
•  The archaeological museum, linked to the remains of the Gallo-Roman town, recreates the lives and culture of its successive populations.

Alésia, here and now!

No need to wait if you want to see the shrine, forum and amphitheatre at Alésia. This ancient site survived for five centuries after the end of the Gallic era!

Impressed by the tall statue of Vercingetorix? This giant copper statue, the work of Aimé Millet, was erected in 1865 on the western edge of the Mont-Auxois. It serves to reinforce the romantic image of Vercingetorix, founder of the Gallic nation.

Alésia has other activities on offer: the "Nuits péplum" festival in July features an explosive mix of pop and rock!

Alésia is a truly memorable stage in any trip through the Pays de l'Auxois, which would not be complete without also seeing Fontenay abbey, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.

Practical information

In the village of Alise-Sainte-Reine there are currently two venues open to the public: statue of Vercingetorix and remains of the Gallo-Roman town centre (at a place called Le Champ de Fouilles).

Address details

SEM ALESIA
25 bis rue du Rochon
21150 ALISE-SAINTE-REINE
Tel. : +33 (0)3 80 96 96 23
E-mail : contact@alesia.com
http://www.alesia.com/

Opening times

Le Champ de Fouilles is open: ·
- 1st February to 31st March, 10am-5pm ·
- 1st April to 30th June, 9am-6pm ·
- 1st July to 31st August, 9am-7pm ·
-  1st-30th September, 9am-6pm ·
- 1st October to 14th November, 10am-5pm

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