Maison de la brique
Former craft brickworks in the Manche, with a clay pit, rotting pits, drying sheds and a large kiln, converted into a brick museum.
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About the museum
The Saint-Martin-d'Aubigny site first served as a clay quarry for the Périers brickworks, founded in 1870. Construction of the craft brickworks began in 1913, was interrupted by the First World War and resumed in 1923. That year, the large circular kiln, which could hold 40,000 bricks, was fired up for the first time.
Production stopped when the owner, Georges Texier, and his workers were mobilised for the Second World War. In May 1944, weapons were hidden in the brickworks and were then used to blow up a strategic railway line. During the bombing of Périers on June 27, 1944, part of the main building was hit by incendiary shells. The brickworks never reopened; a farmer later used it to store fodder.
Threatened with demolition like all the brickworks in the department, it was spotted by a local association promoting the marshland area. The commune, helped by the Parc naturel régional des Marais, restored the site and opened it to the public in 1994. A new enhancement project was launched in 2020 to bring the museum back to life.
Highlights
- Clay pit, rotting pits and shaping machines
- Drying sheds and large circular kiln from 1923
- Video testimony from Georges Texier’s son, the last brickmaker on the site
- Illuminated story inside the kiln
- Barefoot sensory trail through the rotting pits
- Interactive visit on a tablet or smartphone
Permanent exhibitions
- La fabrication d'une brique – On the ground floor, the exhibition follows the brick from clay extraction to sale.
- L'histoire de la brique en Basse-Normandie – Upstairs, the exhibition presents the use of brick in the region, with products from different periods.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Commune de Saint-Martin-d'Aubigny
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €1Child rate. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2.50 per personAdult groups from 10 people; guided visit all year round by reservation. |
| School group, per pupil | €1.60For school groups and leisure centres, by reservation. |
Payment in cash or by cheque; bank cards are not accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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 car park is signposted as accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; the museum gives no further details on accessibility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
During school holidays, workshops at 15:00 without reservation: making a mini brick from clay, treasure hunt, Kapla workshop, stories in the kiln and clay monsters. Barefoot sensory trail through the rotting pits and activity booklet for ages 6 to 12.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking · 150 m to the entrance
Large car park on site, 150 metres from the museum.
The museum is on the Saint-Lô – Périers road (D900): after leaving Périers, continue for 2 kilometres and follow the brown signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Covered and open-air picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visit (Sundays at 15:00, one hour; reservation preferred but not required). The interactive visit uses a tablet lent at reception or the Izy travel app, with the voices of the museum’s guides. A free activity booklet is offered to children aged 6 to 12. |
