Écomusée vivant de Provence Ib Schmedes
Small living museum in La Gaude: reptiles, amphibians and insects of Provence in vivariums, with a guided visit and a garden.
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About the museum
The Écomusée vivant de Provence was founded in 1988 by Ib Schmedes, a Danish-born sculptor, filmmaker and entomologist. It presents itself as a concentrate of Provençal nature: reptiles, amphibians and insects live in vivariums in which their natural habitat has been recreated.
The visit is guided and educational. It moves from snakes to ocellated lizards and Hermann’s tortoises, then on to tree frogs and spiny toads. It ends with the insects: the different orders, the difference between a locust and a grasshopper or between a praying mantis and an empusa, the life cycle of the cicada and the life of ants in reconstructed anthills. The garden, planted with thyme, lavender, rosemary and myrtle, completes the route.
During school holidays, the museum also offers nature programs for children.
Highlights
- Vivariums of Provençal reptiles and amphibians (snakes, ocellated lizards, Hermann’s tortoises)
- Insects and reconstructed anthills
- Guided educational visit
- Provençal garden with aromatic plants
- Nature workshops for children aged 6 to 12
Permanent exhibition
- Vivariums de la faune provençale – Reptiles, amphibians and insects of Provence in vivariums with recreated habitats, including reconstructed anthills.
- Founded
- 1988
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4.50The age limit for the children’s rate is not specified. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5.50 per personGroup rate from 10 people: €5.50 per adult and €3.50 per child. |
| Children’s group rate (from 10 people) | €3.50 |
Pay online or on site at reception by bank card, check or cash.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
“Ateliers nature” for children aged 6 to 12 during school holidays, with creative nature activities: permaculture planting, daily animal care, herbaria, and shelters for European pond turtles (cabanes à cistudes).
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit is led by a guide, who explains the vivariums both inside and outside. School and leisure groups book by phone or email. |
