Mine workings

Today's walk took us above Escaro with its rich mining history. Escaro was the first area in France to produce fluorspar, (also called fluorite) dubbed “the most colorful mineral in the world”  – and also mined at the Blue John Cavern in Derbyshire. The mine closed in 1993 when the mineral was exhausted. Having built up a population of up to 429 residents, with an épicerie, boulangerie, boucherie, café, and even a small cinéma, the village found itself with a population of only 85 once the mine closed its doors for good. The mining was carried out on four separate sites. Originally the village was further north, around St Martin’s Church, but the underground tunnels of the mines put the village at risk of collapse, the old church was rebuilt to the south, and a new village  built around it. As the old village of Escaro became more and more unsafe, houses collapsed and were forced to relocate. The vestiges of mining remain but nature has taken over and it is now just pleasant walking country with great views.