Écomusée de l'Avesnois à Fourmies

About the museum

The Écomusée de l’Avesnois occupies two former industrial sites in the Avesnois-Thiérache region. In Fourmies, the museum of textiles and social life is housed in the former Prouvost-Masurel spinning mill. The first spinning mill was built in 1863; it was bought in 1910 by the firm Masurel Frères, which extended it. In the 1920s new buildings and energy-efficiency improvements were added, and production turned to fine yarns for haute couture.

After synthetic and artificial fibres arrived in the 1950s, the workshop was reorganised in the 1960s and equipped with mechanical Jacquard looms. Industrial decline led to the final closure of the factory in 1977. The building was then converted into a museum that tells the social and industrial history of the area.

The route presents, among other things, textile machines, a reconstructed street with everyday objects from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, a room devoted to energy, and a space dedicated to the local carmaker Paul Génestin. The second site, the Atelier-Musée du Verre in Trélon, housed in a former glassworks, is temporarily closed. The Écomusée also aims to be a place for reflection and the sharing of knowledge.

Highlights

• Former Prouvost-Masurel spinning mill, converted into a museum
• Collection of textile machines
• Reconstructed street with everyday objects from 1880 to 1950
• Génestin space: three historic cars built in Fourmies
• La Pointeuse café in the entrance hall

Permanent exhibitions

• La rue reconstituée – A reconstructed street presenting everyday objects from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, gathered with schools in the region.
• L'espace Génestin – A space devoted to Paul Génestin, who built cars in Fourmies between 1920 and 1929, with three restored vintage cars on display.

Founded

1980

Visitors per year

approx. 61,357

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month, European Heritage Days and European Museum Night.

The ticket includes a one-hour guided tour, limited to 25 people per group; the Écomusée may not offer it depending on circumstances. Also free for ICOM members and holders of a press card. Payment in cash or by bank card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entire Fourmies site, collections and exhibitions included, is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Écomusée offers tours and activities adapted for people with disabilities and for social care organisations.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Workshops and events for children, for example Toddlers’ Wednesday and the P’tites Fourmies festival. Strollers are allowed throughout the Fourmies site, and there is a changing table in the toilets.

Getting there & parking

The Écomusée holds the “Accueil Vélo” (cycle-friendly) label. Bicycle hire at the Maison de la Mobilité, 27 rue Bleue in Fourmies. About 35 minutes by bicycle between Fourmies and Trélon.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

La Pointeuse café in the entrance hall, open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on weekends and public holidays from 14:00 to 18:00, with local produce. Shop selling products made by the Écomusée and local crafts.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 115 guests.

Auditorium with 115 seats; La Pointeuse café is suitable for receptions, and there is a meeting room for about twenty people on the first floor; some exhibition spaces can serve as film locations.

Plan your visit