France-wide events blow dust off archaeology

Some of the secrets of the past are being revealed this weekend in the national archaeology days being held all over the country.

There will be guided visits round historic sites including some of the most ancient sites in France, workshops, digs, tastings, demonstrations, exhibitions and event special displays at some events.

Some towns are opening special archaeology villages to publicise several different sites at once for the Journées Nationales de l'Archéologie which run from today until Sunday.

There are more than 300 separate events being held in Paris alone with one being an extraordinary event at Vitry to show an archaeological dig in a 2,000-year-old graveyard that was only discovered by chance as work started on the Grand Paris Express train line.

Across France there are more than 1,200 events in 650 different sites with 39 open days, visits to dig sites and other events with participants keen to show there is more to archaeology than dust and skeletons especially as some discoveries rewrite history.

Many of the most beautiful objects in terracotta, gold, bronze and silver will be on display and some fabulous mosaics to see up close.

Find out more and check what events are available in your area at the special archaeology website.