Écomusée de la Brenne

About the museum

The Écomusée de la Brenne occupies the Château Naillac, which overlooks the Creuse in Le Blanc with its two 12th-century keeps. This feudal castle served as a stronghold for the lords of Le Blanc in Berry, then as a prison in the 18th century, as shown by the graffiti left by prisoners, and more recently as a village school.

The museum showcases the heritage of the Brenne region and the people who lived there: pond makers, salt smugglers, blacksmiths and farmers. Its ornithological, ethnological and historical collections bear witness to the ecological richness and heritage of the area. A lord’s hall, decorated with a Romanesque fireplace framed by two windows with small columns, is devoted to the history of the château; it displays a model of the fortress in the 15th century.

Exhibitions on the nature, history and inhabitants of the Brenne complement the visit. The ecomuseum offers a year-round cultural programme with heritage tours, activities for young visitors and events. The bird collection can also be consulted free of charge online.

Highlights

• Château Naillac and its two 12th-century keeps
• Bird collection of the Brenne
• Lord’s hall with Romanesque fireplace and model of the fortress in the 15th century
• Graffiti left by prisoners in the 18th century
• Memories of trades and ponds of the Brenne

Permanent exhibition

• Collections de l'écomusée – Birds, ethnological and historical collections and the lord’s hall tell the story of the Brenne, its inhabitants and the Château Naillac.

Admission & discounts

Full price of €5 for the self-guided visit. Payment by bank card, cheque, holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances) or cash.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Activities for young visitors, family workshops and events. For children aged 5 to 12, a vest containing objects and playful challenges was offered as a summer novelty.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Château Naillac, place du Champ de Foire, in Le Blanc.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit