The Ecclesia is a remarkable architectural showcase housing the Philippe Kahn Gallery and the Saint-Martin archaeological site.
Discover 2,000 years of Luxeuil-les-Bains history by opening the doors of a breathtaking archaeological site!
On a self-guided or guided tour, the Ecclesia reveals all the secrets of the spa town's history.
The Ecclesia, a unique, ultra-modern cultural centre that brings together an archaeological site, an exhibition space and the Tourist Office
It was just a car park in the town centre. Now it's one of the most important Merovingian sites in Europe, showcased in a modern 700m2 museum.
Excavations carried out in the Place de la République in the heart of the town between 2005 and 2015 revealed remains dating back to Antiquity and the French Revolution. These include 150 sarcophagi, the former church of Saint-Martin and the crypt of Saint Valbert. The state of preservation, rarity and density of the remains make this an exceptional and unique site!
Fusion of the letters "e" and "t", the ampersand is still used by everyone today. It first appeared in the 7th century in Luxeuil-les-Bains, once a major intellectual centre and renowned scriptorium. Copyist monks used the ligature to copy manuscripts more quickly and thus supply numerous works to the whole of Christendom.
The Saint-Martin archaeological site is now showcased by a high-quality scenography featuring 3D animations, models and artistic illustrations. Come and discover these exceptional remains and their history through 5 themed stations:
Finally, the in-depth gallery presents the thousand-year-old history of the Luxeuil monastery and its Irish founder, Saint Columban.
Did you know? When you think of a burial site, you think of bones. Some are still visible, but most have been removed for study.
The Ecclesia presents the 2,000-year history of Luxeuil-les-Bains. Like a large timeline, start at the origins of the ancient city of Luxovium and unroll through time right up to the present day, with the 116 Air Base.
Along the way, you'll meet Saint Columban in the early Middle Ages, admire the talents of the copyist monks and the beauty of the grand Vosges sandstone mansions, before strolling through the Belle Epoque, marked by the golden age of the foundries and the Luxeuil Lace.
All the practical information (opening times, prices, access conditions, etc.) can be found at
Creating a building to cover the 700 m² of excavations without damaging the remains was a major challenge! A real architectural feat, created by Luxovian architect Michel Malcotti, the current building is made of wood and a self-supporting corten structure.
The archaeological shelter is also linked to the old eighteenth-century building, itself built on top of an older fifteenth-century house. These ancient walls are now on display in the Ecclesia, in the area occupied by the Tourist Office.
The archaeological site opens its doors to you on the occasion of national events and offers guided tours!
