Les Pans de Travassac is an exceptional site located in Donzenac, in Corrèze, famous for its slate quarries that have been in operation for centuries. This unique place, formed by steep cliffs that can reach 100 meters in height, is a witness to artisanal know-how that dates back to the 17th century. Les Pans de Travassac is not only an industrial site that is still in operation, but also a fascinating tourist attraction.
Points of Interest in Les Pans de Travassac:
Slate Quarries:
Traditional Quarrying: For over 300 years, slate quarries have extracted and shaped blocks of slate to make tiles for roofs. The extraction method has remained virtually unchanged, and visitors can watch demonstrations of slate cutting, an art that requires great dexterity.
Spectacular Panoramas: The "pans", these vertiginous rock faces that dominate the quarry, offer an impressive setting. These steep cliffs create a magnificent setting, making the visit as interesting for nature lovers as for those curious about industrial heritage.
Artisanal Know-How:
Demonstrations: During the visit, you can observe the work of master slate workers who hand-cut very fine slate slabs. This ancestral know-how is passed down from generation to generation and makes the reputation of Travassac slate, used for prestigious restorations.
History of the exploitation: The site traces the history of the exploitation of slate, a material prized for its robustness and aesthetics. The slate extracted in Travassac has adorned the roofs of historic buildings in France and elsewhere.