Old Town Figeac

"A small square where you can step on a replica of the hieroglyphs on black marble. Highly recommended and curious to find this square and step on this hieroglyphic writing impossible to decipher"

Manolo Fernández

"I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Place des Écritures (Square of Writings) in Figeac (Postal Code F-46100), Lot, a contemporary art installation. Set within a 13th-century architectural ensemble, its floor is covered with a vast reproduction of the Rosetta Stone, sculpted from black Zimbabwean granite by the American artist Joseph Kossuth. See the French translation on a glass plaque in the adjacent courtyard.

Following my visit in September 2025, I can provide you with a complete overview of the Place des Écritures in Figeac, Lot, including all the information you might need:

Details and location:
Located at the foot of the Champollion Museum – Writings of the World, in the historic center of Figeac (46100, Lot), very close to Place Champollion.

Nestled in a medieval courtyard, this square is set within an ancient complex, just behind Champollion's birthplace, the heart of the museum.

What you can see:
The floor is a monumental reproduction of the Rosetta Stone (approximately 10 x 8 m according to some sources, or 14 x 7 m according to others), carved in black Zimbabwean granite, created by the conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth in 1990.

Inscriptions:
The three texts—hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Ancient Greek—are reproduced on the floor, as on the original stele. The artwork symbolizes Champollion's journey toward decipherment.

Glass plaque with French translation:
In an adjoining courtyard, a glass plaque seals a vaulted cellar. It bears the French translation of the original text and reveals a map of the Nile Delta, the location where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.

Landscape design:
Above the plaza are terraced gardens reminiscent of Egypt: papyrus, tamarisk, and aromatic plants. They offer a contemplative view of the scene, enhancing the immersive atmosphere.

Atmosphere and aesthetics:
The artwork invites contemplation and informal reflection: it is a lived-in space where one can walk on the replica of the Stone, transforming a historical symbol into a shared space.

Architecture and decoration:
The installation combines medieval heritage (courtyard, vault) and contemporary art (engraved monolith, Egyptian vegetation). It creates a powerful visual dialogue between ancient and modern.

What I liked and its distinctive features:
Conceptual originality:
The artwork is simultaneously visual, tactile (one walks upon it), and symbolic (alluding to deciphering, to language). Many see it as a "living" metaphor for Champollion's work.

Heritage and historical proximity:
Its location, just behind the birthplace, adds a moving historical dimension. It is an integral part of the museum experience.

Interaction and education:
The combination of visual text/accessible translation and a geographical point of reference (the Nile Delta) makes the experience both aesthetically pleasing and educational.

Prices, opening hours & practical information:
Museum opening hours (including admission):
July–August: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm, daily.
April–June & September–October: 10:30 am–12:30 pm; 2:00 pm–6:00 pm, daily except Mondays.
November–March: 2:00 pm–5:30 pm, daily except Mondays.
Closed between January 16 and 31, as well as January 1, May 1, and December 25. Early closing (4 pm) on December 24th and 31st.

Admission prices:
Museum + exhibition: full price €7, reduced price €4; free for under 18s; free on the first Sunday of the month (excluding July and August), etc.
Exhibition only: full price €6, reduced price €3.

Additional charges: guided tour €4/person; audio guide (FR, EN, ES, DE) +€3.

I highly recommend visiting the Place des Écritures in Figeac (Postal code F-46100) in the Lot department, as it is a remarkable place!

I have attached some photos and videos. Please leave a smiley face, a "bravo," a heart, or anything else you like under the review and photos to encourage me. It's always nice to receive positive feedback.

Enjoy your visit. Best regards. Éric Tison F-57 Féy (Metz. Moselle. France)."

Eric Tison

"A magnificent contemporary tribute to Jean-François Champollion, originally from Figeac, who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs using the Rosetta Stone.
A must-see, just a stone's throw from the museum."

Bertrand Jonquois