Le Chronographe: Archaeological Museum in Rezé, France

Visitor Information

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Official Website: lechronographe.nantesmetropole.fr

Country: France

Civilization: Roman

Remains: Museum

History

Le Chronographe is located in Rezé, a town near Nantes in western France. The museum stands on the archaeological site of Saint-Lupien, an area with historical significance tied to past human activity. The site itself is situated within the modern French region of Pays de la Loire.

The museum building was completed in 2015 and officially opened in January 2017. It was created to house and present archaeological findings from the Saint-Lupien site and surrounding areas. Since its inauguration, Le Chronographe has served as a center for archaeological exhibitions, educational programs, and conferences, managed by the Nantes metropolitan authority.

Remains

Excavations at Rezé have identified the Roman port of Ratiatum, once linked to a branch of the Loire now vanished. Investigations at the Saint-Lupien site (2005–2016) revealed timber and stone quays from the late 1st century CE, with loading platforms and a retaining wall, maintained until gradual silting ended activity.

Recognition of Rezé as ancient Ratiatum dates back to 1636, later confirmed by studies from the 19th century through modern archaeology, showing a Roman city founded shortly after the conquest of Gaul lies beneath the town.