Traces of prehistory beneath the streets of Vitry-sur-Seine—a story sure to intrigue history buffs. The Journées de l’archéologie are designed to bring the public closer to this field through guided tours, talks, workshops, and access to sites typically off-limits. In 2026, they will take place on the weekend of June 12–14, 2026.
In the Val-de-Marne, the excavation project for the future Les Ardoines station, in Vitry-sur-Seine, contributes to this initiative with exceptional public openings at an excavation site run by Inrap, centered on an ancient flint-knapping site occupied in the Mesolithic, the prehistoric period between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic.
The future Les Ardoines station sits within the Grand Paris Express project. Located in Vitry-sur-Seine, it will serve Line 15 South and support the redevelopment of a neighborhood in the midst of transformation. Archaeology here is not seen as an isolated activity but as a crucial step before or during certain developments. It allows researchers to study the remnants of the past, document ancient occupations, and preserve the memory of the soils before they are altered.
Inrap archaeological dig open day — Prehistoric site in Vitry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne (94)
The Inrap archaeologist Bénédicte Souffi and her team are exceptionally opening the doors to the excavation site for the future Les Ardoines station. On this occasion, you can discover an ancient flint-knapping site occupied in the Mesolithic. Mediation workshops invite you to dive into the lifeways of the human groups who inhabited this territory.
WEAR APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR
Participation conditions: FRIDAY: RESERVED FOR SCHOOLS — Free | Booking required - https://tourisme.vitry94.fr/journees-europeennes-de-larcheologie/
Hours: Friday, June 12, 2026 — 10:00 to 16:00 | Saturday, June 13, 2026 — 10:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 17:00
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From June 13, 2026 to June 14, 2026
Location
Archaeological excavation at the site of the future Les Ardoines station
gare les ardoines
94400 Vitry sur Seine
Route planner
