Musée de l'Absinthe

About the museum

The Musée de l'Absinthe opened in June 1994 in Auvers-sur-Oise. It was founded by Marie-Claude Delahaye, a lecturer in cell biology who had been collecting absinthe-related objects since 1981. Her collection grew to include objects, advertising documents, posters, press drawings, lithographs, etchings and original paintings. After several exhibitions and the publication of books on the subject, she set up this museum to give her collection a home.

The museum is located in the village where Vincent van Gogh spent the last months of his life, between the Auberge Ravoux and the château. Across five rooms on two floors, it traces the history of absinthe from 1805 to its ban in 1915. It also explores the role of the café in 19th-century social and artistic life, with a reconstruction of a café from that era.

In April 2025, Marie-Claude Delahaye entrusted the management of the museum to two actors, Ghislain and Julien, who also offer theatrical tours, shows and events. The museum includes a garden, a tea room and bar called À l'Heure Verte, and a museum shop.

Highlights

• History of absinthe from 1805 to its ban in 1915
• Collection of objects, posters, lithographs and original paintings
• Reconstruction of a 19th-century café
• Absinthe tasting following the ritual of the time
• Theatrical guided tours with Théo or Vincent van Gogh
• Garden and bar À l'Heure Verte

Founded

1994

Admission & discounts

Payment possible in cash, by bank card or by cheque. No absinthe tasting for under-18s. Themed guided tours are sometimes offered at the price of a self-guided visit.

Accessibility

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

The garden and bar are accessible, written materials are available and the reception is adapted. Adapted tours with guidance and the possibility of touching artworks, according to the Visit Paris Region accessibility information.

Kids & families

Theatre workshops for children aged 7 to 12 are offered; the guided tour can be adapted for primary schools. No tasting for under-18s.

Getting there & parking

From Paris (about 30 km): A15 towards Cergy-Pontoise, then A115 towards Calais, exit Auvers-sur-Oise / Méry-sur-Oise. The museum is in the centre of the village, in the direction of the château, on the second street on the right after the town hall.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Tea room and bar À l'Heure Verte (enclosed garden, charcuterie and cheese boards, absinthe pastries), independent of the museum and accessible without a visit. Souvenir shop in the tea room.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Private hire of the bar for a dinner or event (team building, associations); contact: evenements@musee-absinthe.com.

Plan your visit