Maison des étangs

About the museum

The Maison des étangs is the showcase for the ponds of the Sologne. It is housed in a group of old houses in Saint-Viâtre, the Sologne commune with the greatest number of ponds. It presents itself as both a museum and an ecomuseum. A volunteer association, founded in 1996, runs the guided tours under an agreement with the commune.

The first part of the visit explains, using models, panels and a detour to a pond, how a traditional pond is built and how it works. Waterbirds are shown as photographs or stuffed specimens in a rural setting. The route also recalls the history of the ponds, which were very numerous during the Renaissance, then declined from the end of the 16th century, which fostered malaria and poverty.

The second part takes place in an extension that serves as an ethnology museum. It describes the trades linked to the ponds: making bondes (pond outlet valves) and carpentry tools, retting and the uses of hemp. An educational herbarium presents the flora of the ponds and its uses. The museum is part of a partnership with the Maison du Cerf and the Maison du Braconnage, two other themed houses in the Sologne.

Highlights

• Models and panels on how the ponds are built and how they work
• Stuffed waterbirds in a rural setting
• Rooms on hemp, bondes and carpentry tools
• Educational herbarium of pond flora
• Discovery trail around the Étang de la Ville

Admission & discounts

The museum is part of a partnership with the Maison du Cerf and the Maison du Braconnage: a visit to any one of the three entitles visitors to a reduced rate at the other two.

Accessibility

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

A public accessibility register describes step-free access via a gentle slope, a reserved parking space in front of the entrance and tactile guidance strips in the rooms. Three rooms and the toilets are reached by a staircase of four steps or by a platform lift; guides are trained to operate it. Dogs are admitted on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The self-guided visit suits all ages. Story boxes, light games and other educational tools appeal to children and adults alike. A 1.7 km educational trail around the Étang de la Ville is family-friendly.

Getting there & parking

Address: 2 rue de la Poste, 41210 Saint-Viâtre.

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