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Cerin quarry, ENS de l'Ain

Opening period

All year round.

Language(s) spoken: French

Pets allowed: Oui

As a protected area, pets must be supervised and ideally kept on a leash.

Walkers/hikers

The start from the stairs through the woods is a little steep for around 200m.

From: 7 ans

Max. number of people: 100

Rates

Free access.

Label ENS

Not accessible in a wheelchair

An exceptional geological site, offering beautiful high landscapes. Originally quarried for its lithographic limestone, the Cerin quarry has become a major archaeological site, telling its story through a series of informative and entertaining stations.

For many years, its lithographic limestone was extracted for use in stone engraving throughout Europe. In the 20th century, a team of archaeologists uncovered a wealth of fossils of all kinds (reptiles, fish, fauna, flora, giant tortoises...) testifying to the very distant past of the tropical lagoon in this corner of the mountain, now an integral part of the Bugey massif.

An interpretive trail offers an educational itinerary for discovering the site's natural and historical riches. The Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de l'Ain (Ain Nature Conservatory) offers occasional walks and events.

The Cerin Museum, opposite the quarry entrance, welcomes the public to discover the main geological principles and presents the results of archaeological excavations at the quarry.