Brandes archaeological site

Archaeological Excavation: The "Brandes site"

 :: Brandes archeaological site (N5)

In the Middle Ages, silver was used for the fabrication of money. In order to exploit veins rich in silvere, the mountain village of Brandes was established between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries on the plateau near present day Alpe d'Huez.At 1800m altitude, exposed to the cold and to the snow for over 6 months a year, the men mined silver for over almost 2 centuries.
This is highest medieval village in Europe (12^th-14^th century) that grew near a silvermine.

Throughout the summer, the Tourist Offi ce organizes weekly guided visits and excavations at the site.

At The Huez and Oisans Museum there is an exhibition on called “Living in the Oisans region – a step back in time” (Gens d’ici - Vivre en Oisans autrefois ). This exhibition will enable visitors to capture a real glimpse of what it was like to live here in medieval times.

High times: MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL - Sunday 21^th august 2011
To share the wealth of an era that we know so little about, the Tourist Office and the GEMA association will turn the resort into a medieval village.

Acces

Free entry and informative displays.
 

Guided tours

Thursdays and Sundays at 2.30 (meet at the sign between the golf course and the tennis courts).
 

Contact

Information and registration for workshops and guided tours
Alpe d’Huez Tourisme
Tel: 33 (0)4 76 11 44 44