The departmental Museum of Wonders, in Tende, has received a star from the Michelin Guide Travel & Cultures. This national distinction comes as the establishment celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
The departmental Museum of Wonders, in Tende, is now among the sites recognized by the Michelin Guide Travel & Cultures. The Alpes-Maritimes department has announced the award of a star, a distinction that means “Worth a visit”. This recognition provides a gateway to the rock engravings of the Valley of Wonders.
Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes department, emphasizes the significance of this distinction: “This Michelin star comes to acknowledge the tremendous work carried out by the teams of the departmental Museum of Wonders to bring exceptional heritage to life. It rewards a place of knowledge transmission, discovery and emotion, at the heart of a unique territory. This national recognition contributes to the prominence of our cultural and natural heritage and reinforces the department’s commitment to offering excellence in culture, accessible to all. It takes on special significance in this year when the museum celebrates its 30th anniversary, three decades devoted to discovering, protecting and sharing one of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological heritages.”
A recognition that adds to several labels
The Michelin Guide Travel & Cultures distinctions have existed for nearly a century. The ranking is based on visits carried out independently by anonymous inspectors from Michelin Editions, just as for the famous culinary guide. Several criteria are taken into account, including heritage and historical richness, quality of the visitor experience, authenticity of the site, quality of reception, the presence of quality labels as well as cultural and aesthetic value.
The departmental Museum of Wonders already held the labels “Museum of France”, Quality Tourism™, Tourism & Disability Access and Bicycle Friendly. This new distinction marks an anniversary year. Since opening to the public on July 12, 1996, the museum has developed a cultural, scientific and educational offering devoted to the rock engravings of the Wonders and Fontanalba valleys.
The 30th anniversary programming continues throughout 2026. Visitors can discover the exhibitions Sorcerer & Friends and Stones of Memory; 5,000 years of rock art in the Alps; lectures, guided tours, creative workshops, family activities and several free summer events complete the program. The show Texture: Prehistory, a day of experimental archaeology and an artistic procession imagined by the Sequin Clutch Company are also among the highlights offered to the public.
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