What could be more intriguing than discovering an ancient Gallic coin workshop in Corent, Puy-de-Dôme, right in the center of France, a site that paints a vivid picture of life in the capital of the Arverni people?

15 miles from Clermont Ferrand, the region capital, Corent: The Forgotten Capital of the Arverni

Plateau Corent
When most people hear the name “Vercingetorix,” they think of Gergovia, the site of his legendary victory over Julius Caesar in 52 BC. But just a stone’s throw away lies Corent, a 70-hectare volcanic plateau that once stood as the true heart of the Arverni civilization. Thanks to decades of archaeological work led by Matthieu Poux, a professor of Roman and Gallo-Roman archaeology at the Lumière-Lyon-II University, Corent has been revealed as a bustling center of political, social, and economic life for the Gauls.
You walk through this ancient city, where bustling markets once sold goods from across Gaul, craftsmen honed their skills in specialized districts, and—most fascinating of all—coins were minted, shaping the economy of a powerful tribe.

Uncovering the Workshop of Gallic Treasures

Corent Site
In the summer of 2024, Poux and his team hit the jackpot. After years of meticulous excavation, they uncovered a workshop where the Gauls of Corent produced their own currency. The discovery included a punch, coin blanks, and even fragments of a coin die—a rare find that brings the distant past to life.
For those unfamiliar with the term, “coin blanks” are the unmarked pieces of metal that would later be stamped with images and inscriptions to create currency. Finding these, along with the tools used to shape them, offers unprecedented insight into how the Arverni people crafted their money and solidified their place as a formidable power in ancient Gaul.

A Glimpse into the Past—and the Future

Corent
But this discovery is about more than just ancient coins. It’s a window into the sophisticated political and economic systems that once thrived in Corent. The archaeological team’s work highlights not only the artistry of the Gauls but also their complex relationships with the Roman Empire, trade routes, and the broader Mediterranean world.
What’s more, the workshop was found in an artisanal district, a hub of creativity and craftsmanship that reflects the advanced nature of the Arverni society. Walking through these streets, one can almost hear the clang of metalworkers at their forges, feel the weight of history underfoot, and sense the excitement of a world long gone but not forgotten.

Join Us on a Journey of Discovery

We invite you to experience this history firsthand. Our expertly curated luxury itineraries are designed to bring you closer to France’s most fascinating stories, from the ancient battlefields of the Gauls to the hidden archaeological treasures that still lie beneath the soil. Imagine strolling through Corent, guided by the very archaeologists who unearthed these relics, or enjoying exclusive access to sites closed to the public.
Let us whisk you away to the past, where every step tells a story and every discovery is a glimpse into the soul of France. This is luxury beyond compare—a journey that informs, educates, and leaves you with memories as precious as the coins once minted in Corent.
Dont, don’t hesitate. Contact us at Decouvertes DMC today and let us craft a bespoke journey just for you. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll ensure your adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.
Reach out to us at and let’s start planning your next luxurious escape through time!