Legendary Perche Mine!
The Legend of the Waterfall Stones
Legend has it that a spot within the park around the brewery has long been inhabited by mysterious beings. Sacred spirits, such as the Lady of the Ponds, the Handsome Dark Bay Stallion, the Old Prospector, and the two fearsome Raptors of Dinosaur Island, fiercely guarded an underground river filled with precious stones that flowed beneath the estate.
Years ago, on a stormy night, a massive bolt of lightning struck the ground in the middle of the woods, causing a stream to open up at the very spot where the Spring of the Fee Rugineuse is located. Thousands of enchanted stones were then scattered into the waters, which were now exposed to the open air.
Panicked at the thought of humans discovering the treasure, the Spirits of the Beyond decided to appoint two official guardians to watch over the sacred waterfall. They chose two goats with a proud and solemn bearing: Houblon and Maltesse. To the Spirits, they were the ultimate sentinels of the secret!
But what the Spirits don’t know is that Houblon and Maltesse, despite their air of incorruptible guardians, adore the brewery’s beers. They have secretly struck an exclusive deal with us in exchange for a few good pints.
Their mission? As soon as they hear the rumbling from the depths of the earth, Houblon and Maltesse fake panic. They grow agitated, scramble to the top of the waterfall, and begin to bleat loudly. To the Spirits, they are sounding the alarm... but for us, it is the signal! They are telling us that a fresh flow of magic stones is rising from the bowels of the Earth.
We immediately turn the mill's waterwheel to let the young explorers know that the mine is open!
But stay on your guard: the Spirits are still roaming around and do not take kindly to the activity at the mine. Dig in to recover the lost crystals with the help of our double agents but do so at your own risk!
The activity is more than just simple gold panning: it is a true immersion into the estate’s magical folklore. This educational and mystical experience captivates children, while parents can keep an eye on them—or simply relax—while enjoying a good beer from the comfort of Adirondack chairs.
The experience in 5 key steps:
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Step 1 – Reception (Taproom): Parents stop by the bar to pick up a mini metal bucket and a shovel—loaned to you for the adventure—and pay an entrance fee of €6 per child.
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Step 2 – The Dig (“Dig here”): A dedicated pit on the riverbank contains the site’s natural clay, regularly enriched (“salted”) with precious minerals by our team.
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Step 3 – Sorting (The washing channel): Set back from the stream bed to keep feet dry, a wooden channel fed by the waterfall allows children to break up the clay in the running water.
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Step 4 – The Final Rinse (The Stream): The natural rinsing station located at the end of the channel allows the stones to be thoroughly cleaned before being placed in the bucket.
- Step 5 – Weighing : Back at the bar, return your equipment (bucket and shovel) and place your catch on the scale: you will be charged €0.04 per gram (with a minimum of 200g, i.e. €8).
The Prospector's Exchange : Got a dry throat and a big appetite after digging? Take it from an old prospector: trade your nuggets right at the bar for a piping-hot pizza or a cold non-alcoholic drink. It’s a great deal—worthy of the Gold Rush days!
Stones to discover: Amethyst fragments, raw crystal points, iron pyrite ("fool's gold"), fossilized dinosaur teeth, multicolored agates, ocean jasper... plus a few big surprises!
Guidelines & Practical Information
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Recommended attire: Outfit your little prospectors in clothes that can handle clay and a few splashes!
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Mandatory supervision: The activity takes place around a shallow stream, but the property also features ponds in the immediate vicinity. Parents and accompanying adults are 100% responsible for the safety and constant supervision of their children. Keep a close eye on every child in your group.
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For safety reasons, this waterfront activity is strongly discouraged for children who cannot swim.
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Restricted area: Access to the site is reserved exclusively for participants and their accompanying guests, so that our young prospectors can carry out their quest in complete peace of mind!
