Manoir des Sciences de Réaumur

About the museum

The Manoir de Réaumur, in Vendée, is a manor house built in 1576 in the Renaissance style. Only a few elements from that period remain, as the residence was altered until the 19th century. The grandfather of René-Antoine Ferchault acquired it in the 17th century, and it stayed in the family until the scientist's death in 1757.

Réaumur, an 18th-century physicist and naturalist, spent three months there each year while he headed the Paris Academy of Sciences. He made many observations there. He is known for his alcohol thermometer, but also for his work on metallurgy and steel, for incubators for hatching eggs, and for the first glass beehives. He is considered a founder of entomology.

The commune of Réaumur bought the estate in 1990, and the manor opened to the public in May 2002. Since 2005 the site has been managed by the Communauté de communes du Pays de Pouzauges. Major refurbishment, both inside and outside, began in 2015; the house now recovers its original entrance between courtyard and gardens.

Highlights

• 1576 manor house linked to the scientist Réaumur (1683–1757)
• Free interactive visit with hands-on exhibits and experiments
• Natural history cabinet and history of the thermometer
• Walled gardens with puzzles, chests and a photo exhibition
• “Deviens Savant” workshops and children's birthday parties

Permanent exhibition

• Le logis de Réaumur – Interactive route through the rooms of the manor: the Enlightenment, Réaumur's study, the history of the thermometer, 18th-century journeys, a natural history cabinet and a laboratory of scientific games.

Founded

2002

Operated by

Communauté de communes du Pays de Pouzauges

Admission & discounts

2026 rates for free visits by individual visitors. Low season: February to June and October to December.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

According to the website, the whole site is accessible to wheelchair users. Reserved parking spaces are located near reception, on rue de la Tour. Adapted visits are offered to groups with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

“Manoir des p’tits curieux” activities for ages 7 to 11: puzzles every day and “Deviens Savant” workshops on Wednesdays during school holidays. Offers for leisure centers from age 3. Birthday parties by reservation.

Getting there & parking

Address: 8 rue Ferchault. The village of Réaumur and walking trails along the Lay are nearby.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café serving artisanal cold drinks, teas and local biscuits, indoors or in the garden. Shop selling responsibly made products, mostly from France or Europe. Picnics possible in the walled gardens.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit