The Musée du Pays Châtillonnais-Trésor de Vix
In the far north of French department Côte-d'Or, the little town of Châtillon-sur-Seine is home to a museum with a real archaeological treasure: the Lady of Vix's Treasure. These objects were found in a royal tomb and have helped the museum uncover historical facts and learn about what life was like in the Châtillonnais region through the ages.
Stop off in Châtillon-sur-Seine and take your time exploring this beautiful town in the French countryside.
The Treasure of Vix
Even though the museum has countless other objects in its collections, the contents of the mysterious princess of Vix's tomb is definitely the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais's treasure.
A gigantic bronze vase, an impressive golden torque, some jewellery, a wooden funeral chariot, and much more. Visitors cannot help but feel moved when faced with these objects from a distant past, and wonder at the beauty of the discovered objects.
Especially when we consider that these objects were discovered by accident! They were discovered in 1953, when two amateur archaeologists were carrying out excavation work at Mont Lassois. They came across an incredible discovery: a royal tomb from the 5th century BC, that was still intact!
This discovery told us of the importance of the site for trade. This location was in fact at a major crossroads of a trade route between English and Italy. The fabulous items found in the tomb were proof of booming trade around Europe: the huge vase is a superb example of Greek art, and the torque is of Celtic origin.
An XXL vase
The vase of Vix was found in the tomb of the mysterious Lady of Vix, and it is a pretty impressive object: 1.64 m high, 1.27 m in diameter, 208 kg and 1,100 litres! Since its discovery in 1953, no other antique vase as big as this one has been found!
Thie "krater" (as it is now known) was used to mix wine and water in at banquets, something we would never dream of doing in Burgundy today!
The museum
The museum is inside the former Abbey of Notre-Dame in Châtillon-sur-Seine, and houses a top-quality archaeological collection, telling the story of the Châtillonnais region through the ages.
On a tour of the museum, you'll learn about how our ancestors lived back then: fine arts, Napoleonic period, metalworking industry and curiosity cabinet will all take visitors on a journey through the Châtillonnais region, from medieval times to the modern day.
Find out more about the museum
Expertise that is constantly evolving
Since 1953, researchers have made so much progress in terms of their knowledge and understanding of the Vix archaeological site!
To be able to understand the world in which the Lady of Vix lived, who she was and what sort of lifestyle she had, they used technology: drones, photogrammetry, DNA analyses, 3D scanner, etc.
The researchers now know that she was definitely a woman, a powerful and rich one at that, and very soon, they will be able to reveal her face to the world!
New in 2022!
Do you fancy a total immersion in the days of the Princess of Vix?
It couldn’t be easier! All you have to do is download the free app on the App Store or Google Play and let it guide you along the Mont Lassois interpretative trail.
What to expect:
- you’ll find yourself in the heart of the town as it was 2,500 years ago, in the era of the Lady of Vix,
- you’ll take part in a geocaching game,
- you’ll see historical reenactments based on discoveries made at the archaeological site.
*Available in French, English and German.
Exploring the Châtillonnais region
Châtillon-sur-Seine
North of the French department of Côte-d'Or, the little town of Châtillon-sur-Seine welcomes you in a setting that is characteristic of the French countryside, at the heart of the recently established Forêts National Park.
Châtillon-sur-Seine
The Route du Crémant
A route devoted entirely to Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wine, covering 120 km across the Pays du Châtillonnais, past the very best establishments, villages, vineyard and the winegrowing estates who will gladly welcome you to their wine tasting cellar for some unforgettable tasting sessions!
The Route du Crémant
Ampélopsis, the Musée du Crémant
2 000 m² for an all-round experience! Ampélopsis is much more than a museum, it is an interpretation centre where you can learn all there is to know about Crémant de Bourgogne.
OenoCentre Ampélopsis
