FR-74-03
Chens-sur-Leman, | Littoral de Chens-sur-Leman
Short Description
From the middle of the 19th century, several sites were identified on the Chens-sur-Léman shore and objects were collected, but without distinction of origin. In 1987, an evaluation survey was carried out in the bay of Tougues due to a vast tourist development project. Archaeological levels were identified by coring and a stratigraphic trench was excavated. Three major levels rich in archaeological materials were distinguished. Subsequently, only specific interventions were carried out. In 2018, the station was reviewed as part of the monitoring program. The sites in the buffer zone (4 Bronze Age and 2 Neolithic) were also reviewed in order to complete the documentation concerning their status.
Special Features & Highlights
Although only part of the site survived, its preservation is exceptional for the whole of the Lake Geneva basin, where erosion is particularly intense. The important stratigraphic sequence is massive and unequalled by any other site, to this day. In addition to the ceramic materials, whose evolution can be followed over two centuries, the stratigraphic trench has yielded objects made of perishable materials. The most remarkable is a wooden wheel, carbonized and partially preserved, but allowing the reconstitution of a complex assemblage. It is comparable to that of VD Grandson / Corcelettesof Lake Neuchâtel.
Pile Dwellings up close
Covered by 2 to 3 m of water, the site is not directly visible from the shore. Access to the site is prohibited.
A selection of objects (including the wheel) is on display at the Musée Château d'Annecy in the rooms of the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes.
Musée Château d’Annecy
Place du château
74000 Annecy
+33 (0)4 50 33 87 30 / +33 (0)4 50 33 87 34
musees@annecy.fr / reservation.animations@annecy.fr
to the website
Bronze Age
Late Bronze Age, 1071- 859 B.C.
Lake Geneva
369 m.a.s.l.
Size of the site:
0,93 ha / approx. 1 soccer pitch
Size of the bufferzone:
92,6 ha / approx. 130 soccer pitches
