Écomusée Maison de Pays en Bresse

About the museum

The association Maison de Pays en Bresse was founded in 1985. It first saved the Ferme des Mangettes, a dwelling threatened with demolition. It was dismantled piece by piece and rebuilt in Saint-Étienne-du-Bois. Analysis of the timber showed that it dates from 1465, which makes it one of the oldest farms in the Ain department.

A second building, the Ferme de la Claison, dates from 1649; it was moved in large sections of wall. It now houses a rich collection devoted to old crafts. A round-log barn houses old agricultural machinery.

Between 2000 and 2002 the association also rebuilt a carronnière, a traditional tile kiln – the last of its kind still standing in the Bresse; it now serves as a shelter for events. The site covers more than 2 hectares, with four traditional buildings, twelve rooms to visit and thousands of objects on the daily life of Bresse farmers, their clothing and their tools. Around a hundred volunteers keep the eco-museum alive, and the Fête de la paria, a traditional jam, has been held every autumn since 1994.

Highlights

• Ferme des Mangettes, a dwelling from 1465, with Bresse furniture and clothing
• Ferme de la Claison, dated 1649, devoted to old crafts
• Carronnière, a traditional Bresse tile kiln rebuilt on the site
• Collection of old agricultural machinery
• Barefoot trail, wooden games and forest park for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Ferme des Mangettes – This dwelling from 1465 displays traditional Bresse furniture and clothing.
• Ferme de la Claison – This farm building from 1649 houses a collection on old crafts.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Association Maison de Pays en Bresse

Admission & discounts

A discount on admission to the eco-museum is granted on presentation of a ticket from the neighbouring treetop adventure park (accrobranche), and vice versa.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

About 75% of the site is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and about 40% to wheelchair users; two buildings have an upper floor without a lift. The ground is gravel.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

A free investigation quiz booklet (livret-jeux d'enquête) is available at reception. Children have a barefoot trail and wooden games. During the Easter, summer and Toussaint autumn holidays, parent-child workshops of about 1 h 30 min end with a Bresse afternoon snack.

Getting there & parking

From the A40 motorway, take exit no. 6 “Bourg-en-Bresse Centre”. The eco-museum is at the entrance to Saint-Étienne-du-Bois, towards Lons-le-Saunier and Strasbourg (D1083).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop selling local products and a tourist information point. Picnic area and toilets on site. A restaurant (Maison des Pays de l'Ain) is nearby. Animals are welcome if kept on a lead.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit