La Grand-Combe: A Journey to the Heart of the Gard's Mining History
Just a few kilometres from Camping Sunêlia La Clémentine, La Grand-Combe invites you to immerse yourself in its rich industrial past. Situated in the heart of the Ricard valley, this former mining town in the Gard region of Occitanie played a key role in coal mining in the 19th century. Its development is closely linked to the Compagnie des Mines de La Grand-Combe and the Gard railways, which have shaped its landscape and its history.
A unique industrial heritage to discover
Once one of the largest coalfields in France, La Grand-Combe still retains many vestiges of its mining heyday. Take a stroll through the town and you'll discover
- The old mining infrastructure, testimony to the intense activity that shaped the region.
- Captivating museums, where you can learn more about the lives of miners and the evolution of the coal industry.
- Historic monuments that tell the social and economic story of this working-class town.
What to do in La Grand-Combe ?
Explore the mining heritage
- Immerse yourself in the world of mining with immersive guided tours.
- Find out about coal mining techniques and the life of the workers.
Take part in cultural events
- Attend exhibitions and festivals celebrating the mining heritage.
- Enjoy local festivities highlighting the region's history and traditions.
Enjoy the surrounding countryside
- Go hiking through the Ricard valley and the Cévennes.
- Admire the landscapes shaped by industry and nature, between mountains and rivers.
An Unmissable Site During Your Stay at Camping La Clémentine
When you stay at Camping Sunêlia La Clémentine, enjoy a cultural and historical getaway in La Grand-Combe. Whether you're a history buff, heritage lover or simply curious to discover an emblematic place in the Gard, this visit will plunge you into a fascinating era.
Just a few minutes from the campsite, follow in the footsteps of the miners and be surprised by the captivating history of La Grand-Combe!
The museums of La Grand-Combe: testimony to the past
The Miner's House:
The Maison du Mineur (Miner's House) is one of the town's key places to discover the daily lives of the miners who shaped its history. This museum presents a retrospective of the lives of the mine workers, nicknamed the ‘mans negros pan blanc’ (black hands, white bread). This nickname referred to the condition of their coal-black hands and the relative affluence they enjoyed compared to the other working classes, enabling them to buy white bread, a luxury at the time.
The museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including everyday objects and working tools, as well as accounts from miners who lived through the era. This museum is a must-see for anyone wishing to understand the importance of the coal industry in the development of La Grand-Combe. The Maison du Mineur also has a website where you can find all the information you need: opening times, prices and how to visit.
The Maison des Métiers Anciens :
Another interesting place to visit is the Maison des Métiers Anciens, a living museum made up of 13 stalls recreating the traditional crafts and trades practised in the valley. Each stall presents a different aspect of the working life of the valley's inhabitants, from agriculture to crafts. This museum is a real journey into the past, allowing visitors to see and understand the trades of yesteryear that were essential to the survival and development of the region.
Both of these popular museums are open to visitors to Camping Sunêlia La Clémentine, less than 10km from La Grand-Combe. This is a great opportunity to delve into local history and understand the roots of this unique region.
Wednesday and Saturday markets in La Grand-Combe
Don't miss the Wednesday and Saturday morning markets, an essential event in La Grand-Combe, just 10 minutes from the Sunêlia la Clementine campsite.
Every week, the town's streets are transformed into a veritable meeting place, bustling with stalls brimming with local produce.
Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, olive oils and other specialities from the Gard are on offer from passionate producers.
This market is the perfect opportunity for visitors to discover the authentic flavours of the region, meet the local producers and immerse themselves in the warm, friendly atmosphere of a typically French market.
You'll be able to talk directly to the traders, find out more about their products and take home some gourmet souvenirs of La Grand-Combe.
It's a real opportunity to share, to soak up the local culture and the vitality of the town.
Did you know?
Les Mines de la Grand-Combe:
Founded in 1820, the Compagnie des Mines de la Grand-Combe played a key role in the economic development of the region. It operated the coal mines until the last shafts were closed in the 1960s. The coal extracted was used to fuel the metallurgical and railway industries. Many residents worked in the mines and industry, making the town a major centre of economic activity at the time.
The town's railway past:
The presence of the Gard railways also played a key role in the development of La Grand-Combe. The railway line linking the valley to the other regions of the Gard facilitated the transport of coal and contributed to the town's growth, providing better connections with the country's major industrial towns.
Plan your visit
For those staying at Camping Sunêlia La Clémentine, La Grand-Combe is an ideal destination for a half- or full-day excursion. Museums, the local market and the fascinating history of the valley await you just 10 km from the campsite. Before you leave, check the museum websites for opening times, prices and practical information. That way, you can plan your visit as well as possible and make the most of the experience.