And what if, wandering along a forest path, the Île-de-France region whispered to you a story centuries old? For the Journées de l’Archéologie 2026, the weekend of June 12–14, 2026, a dig site opens its doors to visitors: it’s the Priory of the Butte Saint-Louis, nestled in the Fontainebleau forest.
The Journées de l’Archéologie exist exactly for this: to open the doors of this discipline to the general public and reveal the behind‑the‑scenes of fieldwork, investigations, and discoveries. Each year the event draws history enthusiasts as well as casual walkers and families alike.
The allure of the Butte Saint-Louis begins with its setting. Located in the northern edge of the Fontainebleau forest massif, it rises on a limestone knoll about 122 meters high, giving it a distinctive, almost outpost-like presence in the landscape. Its summit preserves the remnants of a notably singular religious establishment, which researchers describe as a prieuré-ermitage.
Around the Butte Saint-Louis there is also a whiff of legend. Tradition holds that King Saint Louis, lost in the forest during a 1264 hunt and attacked by bandits, sought refuge on the highest point to call for help. After being saved, he would have had a chapel erected in memory of the episode. Yet this is only legend: recent research suggests the site was occupied before that date, with traces that could date back to around the year 1000.
Archaeology Days 2026 at the medieval and early-modern priory of Saint-Louis Hill in Fontainebleau
Open house day at the archaeological dig of the Priory of Butte-Saint-Louis. Free entry and a guided tour by the excavation team.
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Dates and Opening Time
On June 12, 2026
Location
Saint-Louis Hill Priory in Fontainebleau
prieuré de la butte saint-louis à fontainebleau
77300 Fontainebleau
