La Graufesenque Guide
La Graufesenque: Journey Back to Roman Gaul Guide
Step back in time at La Graufesenque, an ancient Roman pottery production site located just outside Millau. This archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial scale and artistic skill of Roman ceramics. Once a major center for the production of terra sigillata, a distinctive red-gloss pottery, La Graufesenque played a crucial role in supplying the Roman Empire with tableware. La Graufesenque flourished from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. Its strategic location, with access to clay, water, and transportation routes, made it an ideal site for pottery production. The site employed hundreds of workers and produced millions of pieces of pottery, which were exported throughout the Roman world. The quality and craftsmanship of La Graufesenque pottery were highly regarded, and its products have been found in archaeological sites across Europe and beyond. After its decline, the site was largely forgotten until its rediscovery in the 19th century. Today, visitors to La Graufesenque can explore the excavated remains of the pottery workshops, kilns, and living quarters. The site features a museum that displays a collection of pottery fragments, tools, and other artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and techniques of Roman pottery production. The site also hosts workshops and demonstrations, allowing visitors to try their hand at pottery making. While visiting, consider trying some local Aveyron cuisine, such as "tripoux" (tripe stew) or "flaune" (a cheese tart).
Transportation
La Graufesenque is located a few kilometers outside of Millau. You can reach it by car or by local bus. Check the local bus schedules for routes to La Graufesenque. Taxis are also available in Millau.