Mines d'Argent des Rois Francs

In addition to its silver mines, Melle was one of the greatest minting workshops of the Carolingian Empire. In 864, under Charles the Bald, the number of mints in the empire was limited to ten, and Melle was among this prestigious selection. Coins, mainly deniers and obols, were struck there. Impressive fact: over 10,000 coins from Melle’s mint have been recorded, while only 244 coins have been attributed to a mint as famous as that of Paris.

Today, visitors to the Melle Silver Mines can not only explore the underground galleries and observe the extraction techniques of old but also discover the economic and political importance of this site during the Carolingian era. A historically charged place not to be missed by medieval heritage and archaeology enthusiasts.