Underground treasures: discover a slate mine
Did you know the Gaume and Ardennes regions are quite literally built on slate? Roof tiles, pavements, façades – you’ll spot traces of this robust stone everywhere. But the real story lies underground. In the 19th and 20th centuries, thousands of miners toiled in slate quarries across Belgium and Luxembourg. Today, many of these disused sites have been transformed into fascinating visitor mines. Step into their footsteps, uncover the legacy of this ‘black gold’, and enjoy a surprising outing – perfect for rainy days or extreme heat.
Au cœur de l’Ardoise – the mine of Bertrix
n Bertrix, you descend 25 metres underground. During a 90-minute guided tour, you’ll learn how the scailtons – local miners – lived and worked. The tunnels are narrow and partly filled with rubble, as this mine extracted slate from the bottom up – a rare technique. Your guide will explain the mining methods, the risks, and the working conditions of the past. Don’t forget to bring a jumper – it’s a steady 9°C down there.
After your visit, relax in the cosy café above the mine. Try a local ‘Scailton’ – served hot or cold – or take a bottle home with you. Visiting with a group of ten or more? You can book a culinary experience underground: enjoy an aperitif in the mine, dine in a unique underground room, and savour your dessert out on the terrace. Unforgettable!
Musée de l’Ardoise – Haute-Martelange (LU)
Just across the border in Luxembourg lies the Slate Museum of Haute-Martelange. It’s a bit further from Lacuisine, but perfect to combine with a walk in the region or a visit to Bastogne. Between 1870 and 1986, over 600 miners worked here annually, producing 12 million roof slates. Like in Bertrix, the slate was brought up from deep underground, resulting in vast subterranean chambers that now offer breathtaking views.
This museum is a must for industrial history buffs, but the experience is just as exciting and educational for kids.
A heritage built on slate
Slate is typical of the Belgian, Luxembourgish and French Ardennes. There’s even a 440-kilometre ‘Route de l’Ardoise’ that links six key mining sites across borders. Along the route, you’ll learn how slate shaped the local economy and daily life. Mining offered employment, but also led to serious health issues like joint pain and lung disease. Most mines closed in the 1960s, except for Bertrix, which remained active until the late 1970s.
Practical tips
A slate mine visit is perfect on a rainy day – or as a cool escape from the summer heat. Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes, and don’t forget your helmet (it’s provided on site). The underground temperature stays at a brisk 9°C. Children are welcome, but bear in mind that some tunnels are narrow and dark. Check tour availability and book ahead where possible.
Au coeur de l'Ardoise
- Location: Rue du Babibay 1, 6880 Bertrix
- Distance from Lacuisine: 18 km, 20 min min by car
- Info: www.aucoeurdelardoise.be
Musée de l'Ardoise
- Location: Musée de l’Ardoise, Entrée principale, 8823 Obermartelingen, Luxembourg
- Distance from Lacuisine: 41 km – 45 min by car
- info: ardoise.lu
Have you recently visited one of these impressive slate mines? Share your experience in the comments or tag us on Instagram. Feel free to use the hashtag #latrottinetteexperience – we can’t wait to see your adventure!