Interior of the Musée de l'Ecclésia - Luxeuil-les-Bains - Vosges du Sud — ©The Ecclesia|Etienne Kopp

L'&cclesia Heritage City

The &cclesia, located in Luxeuil-les-Bains, is a must-see site for history and archaeology enthusiasts: explore 2,000 years of history, with archaeological remains that are unique in the region.

Beneath its modern architecture, the site is home to some exceptional remains, including Gallo-Roman dwellings, a funerary church, a crypt, the church of Saint-Martin, and around 380 burials, including 150 remarkably well-preserved Merovingian sarcophagi.

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A journey through 2000 years of history

The story of the &cclesia began in 2006, when Luxeuil-les-Bains was the scene of an exceptional heritage discovery: the remains of the church of Saint-Martin. After a decade of excavations and painstaking work, the &cclesia was born, with the aim of showcasing this unique heritage.

Once buried, the archaeological remains are now preserved and displayed in this contemporary building designed by Luxover architect Michel Malcotti.

But the &cclesia is not just an archaeological site, it’s also a dynamic cultural centre that houses theTourist Office. This modern 700 m² facility showcases one of the most important Merovingian sites in Europe. Excavations carried out between 2005 and 2015 revealed historical treasures ranging from Antiquity to the French Revolution, making the &cclesia an exceptional museum.

The site’s unique features include 150 sarcophagi, the former church of Saint-Martin and the crypt of Saint Valbert, all of which form an exceptional ensemble. The remarkable conservation of these remains, as well as their rarity, contribute to making this an archaeological site of unique value.

Discover the &cclesia

Do you know The ampersand?

Do you know why an ampersand (&) is used as the symbol for the name &cclesia? This ligature, a fusion of the letters “e” and “t”, originated in the 7th century in Luxeuil-les-Bains, then a major intellectual centre. Copyist monks used it to speed up the copying of manuscripts, helping to spread knowledge throughout Christendom.

A scenography Immersive

The remains are highlighted by an innovative scenography, using 3D animations, models and artistic illustrations. You can explore the remains at five themed stations: the early Christian funerary basilica, burial methods, the crypt of Saint Valbert, Roman settlement and the church of Saint Martin in the Middle Ages.

To make the most of your visit to the &cclesia, start with the permanent exhibition “Luxeuil, 2000 years of history” in the Galerie Philippe Kahn. This exhibition gives you an overview of the town’s history, from the ancient thermal baths to modern developments.

Remains of the Musée de l'Ecclésia in Luxeuil-les-Bains - Vosges du Sud — ©The Ecclesia|Destination 70

As you may have guessed, Luxeuil-les-Bains is a town with a rich history. The &cclesia has become a veritable standard-bearer for the spa’s heritage, offering visitors a plunge into the past while admiring the town’s unique architecture.