Silk-making was the major industry of the Cevennes region until the second World War. By the mid-nineteenth century, the Cevennes, along with Piedmont in Italy, were the world's principal silk producers.

In 1853, the Cevennes provided more than half of the cocoons produced in France (26,000 tons).

You can visit the "Silk Museum" which tells the story of this prestigious past. Its rich collection of technical and cultural artefacts and its illustrations of present forms of production offer a remarkable overview of one of the few remaining European centres of silk production.

We also invite you to visit the "Musée des Vallées Cevenoles" , located in a seventeenth Century inn. This museum, dedicated to the Arts and traditions of the people, specialises in the history of the Cevennes and the Cevenol Culture.

It allows you to get acquainted with the region, to understand its landscapes, shaped by generations of men and to discover the activities which kept it alive, in particular the chestnut tree and the breeding of Silk Worms, in order to better understand its inhabitants.

Address and phone numbers:

The "Musée des Vallées Cévenoles":
95 Grand rue
30270 Saint Jean du Gard
Phone : 04 66 85 10 48
Fax : 04 66 85 13 61
>>> website of museum

The Silk Museum:
Saint Hippolyte du Fort 
Phone: 04 66 77 66 47

The Silk Museum is open from 1 April until 8 November, from 10 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00.

Closed on Mondays except bank holidays. In July and August, open every day without exception from 10 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:30.