Espace Pierres Folles, Geological museum and botanical garden in Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, France.
Espace Pierres Folles combines a geological museum and botanical garden on a former cement factory site. The museum displays rocks and fossils from the region, while the garden grows hundreds of plant species in different sections reflecting local soil types.
The project started in 1988 with a geological trail showing fossils from the area, and the museum core opened in 1992. This transformation of an old industrial site into an educational space marked a new chapter for the location.
The site shows how soil, plants, and wine production connect in this region. You can observe how the rock types and ground conditions shape which plants grow here and influence local farming methods.
You can move between indoor museum spaces with rock collections and outdoor garden sections with different plant zones. The site is undergoing renovations until spring 2025, so check availability before visiting.
The garden sections are designed to recreate the natural soil types found in southern Beaujolais. This allows visitors to see which plants naturally thrive in each type of ground.
Location: Saint-Jean-des-Vignes
Address: 116 chemin du Pinay
GPS coordinates: 45.87950,4.67580
Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43
Château de Châtillon-d'Azergues
2.4 km
Château de Chazay
3 km
Maison forte de l'Izérable
3.9 kmChâteau de Chessy
4.1 km
Marcy semaphore tower
3.8 km
Maison forte du Pin
1.9 km
Église Saint-André de Chazay-d'Azergues
2.9 km
Château de Varax
4.1 kmÉglise Saint-Christophe de Charnay
1.4 km
Four à chaux de Marcilly d'Azergues
4.1 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité de Chessy (Rhône)
4.2 km
Église Saint-Bonnet de Marcy
4.1 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Morancé
2.8 km
Église Saint-Jean de Saint-Jean-des-Vignes
838 m
Église Saint-Julien de Belmont-d'Azergues
1.3 km
Église Saint-Maurice de Lozanne
2.3 km
Chapelle d'Alix
4.1 km
Église Saint-Barthélemy de Marcilly-d'Azergues
4 km
Église Saint-Barthélemy de Châtillon
2.4 km
Église Saints-Cyr-et-Blaise de Civrieux-d'Azergues
3.5 km
Porte du Baboin
3 km
Manoir de Morancé
2.7 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours de Châtillon
2.4 km
Immeuble, 10 Grande-Rue
2.9 km
Croix des Presle
983 m
Monument aux 52 fusillés du 19 juillet 1944 de Châtillon
2.9 km
Château de Charnay
1.4 km
Maison, route de la Vallée, place de la Fontaine
4.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes