Wendel Exploration Park
A former coal mining site established in 1862 and closed in 1989, the Wendel pithead, now named "Parc Explor Wendel," has transformed into a place for leisure, walks, and culture for the whole family.
It offers the discovery of the Les Mineurs Wendel Museum, the La Mine Wendel Museum, cycling paths and walking trails, as well as numerous events and activities, to be discovered all year round.
Parc Explor Wendel also forms one of the largest and most complete complexes of buildings dedicated to coal mining in Europe. This jewel of Lorraine is one of the rare places to showcase what French coal mining was like, until its end in 2004.
After 120 years of mining activity, the Wendel pit was given a second life with the opening of the La Mine Wendel Museum in 2006 and the Les Mineurs Wendel Museum in 2012.
The La Mine Wendel Museum
A unique French mining site offering the discovery of various coal mining techniques until the closure of the last French mine in 2004.
Accompanied by a guide, step into the shoes of former miners, enter the cage, and experience the famous descent into the depths, made possible by a unique worldwide representation. Visit the mine's various underground working galleries to discover astonishing and monumental machines (drilling machines, cutting machines, shearers...), unforeseen trades, unique means of transport, and moving testimonies. The visit will conclude with the screening of a film retracing the workday of a deep-mine miner.
The Les Mineurs Wendel Museum
Les Mineurs Wendel introduces you to the epic story of coal mining in Lorraine while revealing the miner's place in emblematic locations such as the miner's hall, the lamp room, the washrooms....
In a modern and attractive presentation spanning 1,800 m², over 160 objects and models, 25 audiovisual documents, as well as countless photos, documents, and audio terminals immerse you in the history of coal in Lorraine, the daily life of the miner and their family, the social policies of mining companies... Not far from the site, traditional workers' houses, engineers' residences, and mining town dormitories contribute to the captivating atmosphere of this industrial relic.
Practical Information:
Parc Explor Wendel
57540 Petite-Rosselle
+33 (0) 3 87 87 08 54
contact@parc-explor.com - www.parc-explor.com
Opening hours: all year round, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
REMEMBER TO BOOK YOUR VISIT IN ADVANCE by phone or email.
My Favorites
- The visit of the two museums
- The family treasure hunt
- A picnic in the shade and at the foot of the hiking trails
- The KAFFEEKLATSCH café with the same opening hours as the museums, to enjoy homemade pastries and small biscuits!
- A night at the 'Une étape à la mine' gîte, 210m² in the heart of the site,
awarded 4 'épis' by Gîte de France. - Opening 2026: service area for motorhomes
Randoland Fun Walk Petite Roselle
Headframe model
Comic Book The Epic of Coal
Randoland Fun Walk Petite Roselle