Musée de la Falotte

The roadside attraction lives on in France. We saw a sign “Museum Open” so we pulled over and went in. We were treated to a 2-hour geology lesson and a walk in the wildflower meadow… Including the wild orchids in bloom.

All run by Jean-Pierre and Colette, who have dedicated their retirement to the collecting and proud display of 7,000+ rocks and minerals.

jean-Pierre is an ex military man, and he told us the history of the world in excited Franglish, with lots of expressive pantomime to fill in the gaps. Atom, atom, atom, molécule!!! Magma, pression, impurités, et voilà!

On the one hand, it was entirely too much and maybe a little goofy. On the other, their passion and humanity shone like the brightest gems in any collection and made for a memorable visit.