The Vix treasure
Secrets of a Celtic lady

On the Burgundian 'oppidum' trail, in the upper Seine valley, the town of Châtillon-sur-Seine is home to a fabulous archaeological treasure from the first Iron Age. The famous Vix Krater is the largest surviving vase from ancient times. Stand next to it and see!

A thirty year old princess

In 1953, below the Mont Lassois oppidum (a Gallo-Roman fortified town) near Vix, the grave of a Celtic princess was uncovered, revealing:

• a ceremonial chariot, bronze, ceramic and silver vessels
• a large gold necklace - or torque – weighing 480 grams, clearly belonging to a woman of rank in Celtic society.
• a gigantic krater with scrolled handles, the finest piece in the treasure. The bronze vase, made by Greek craftsmen in the 6th century BC, is proof of trade links between the Celtic world and the Mediterranean.

The Vix vase is 1.64 m. tall, weighs 208 kg and holds 1,100 litres. It's the only one of its kind in the world!

The new museum

The Vix Treasure is displayed in Châtillon-sur-Seine's new museum housed, since July 2009, in the old convent buildings of Notre-Dame abbey.

The funeral chamber of the Vix princess has been recreated there. You can admire her jewels, chariot and drinking vessels...

Don't stop there!

Archaeological work continues on the vast plateau of the Mont Lassois. In summer local guides can show you round the site with its ramparts, agricultural buildings and apsidal house.

The Mont Lassois affords good views of the village of Massingy with its twin hills. There are two hiking trails (1 km or 2 km) around this lovely natural site.

The leafy Châtillonnais forest is held in particular esteem and is an important element of the new "Entre Champagne et Bourgogne" National park, currently being set up. Did you know that Châtillon-sur-Seine is on the Crémant de Bourgogne Tourist Route?

Practical information

Be sure to visit the museum with its new facilities and completely updated museography.

Address details

Musée du Pays Châtillonnais – Trésor de Vix
14 rue de la Libération
21400 Châtillon sur Seine
Tel. : +33 (0)3 80 91 24 67
http://www.musee-vix.fr/fr/

Opening times

The museum and shop are open daily.

1st September to 30th June: ·
- 9am-12 noon & 2-6pm

1st July to 31st August: ·
- 10am-7pm

Closed: 1st January, 1st May & 25th December.

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