The association
Excavate · Study · Preserve · Share
Paléocharente brings professional researchers and amateur palaeontologists together to study, preserve and share the palaeontological and palaeoecological heritage of the Charente basin. From field surveys and excavations to presenting fossils to the public, we combine scientific, technical and educational expertise. Excavation, surveying, preparation, cataloguing and research deepen our understanding of past life and help share that knowledge.
Complementary skills in action
Protecting fossils together
Plaster jackets protect the vertebrae during excavation and transport. Excavators and preparators consolidate the bones, build the protective jacket and work together to lift the block. Field records and reference markers accompany the fossils into the collections.
A shared endeavour
Fossils for public collections
We work to ensure that studied fossils enter public collections. We do not seek to own or trade them. Preserving them in museums, together with their field data, makes them available to future generations and further research.
A shared endeavour
Our project brings together volunteers, students, researchers, preparators, museum teams, quarry owners and operators, local authorities, businesses, educators and artists. Together, we turn field discoveries into shared knowledge.
Science and drawing in the field
Ronan Allain and Mazan: two perspectives on discoveries
At Angeac-Charente, Mazan and Ronan Allain help excavate a two-metre-long sauropod femur. Research and drawing meet at the dig: studying fossils, recording techniques and making discoveries visible are complementary contributions.
A shared place of research
Angeac: the excavation in its landscape
In the Charente valley, excavation campaigns are organised around the digging areas, preparation spaces and team facilities. Excavating fossils, surveying and processing discoveries shape the daily work.
Our commitment to heritage
Studied fossils are intended for public collections, together with their provenance data. Preparation, cataloguing and conservation enable further research and preserve this heritage for future generations.
Scientific coordination
Ronan Allain: from fieldwork to knowledge
A palaeontologist at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Ronan Allain has coordinated excavation and research at Angeac since 2010. His work brings together dinosaur research, collections, training and public outreach within a collaborative project.
