Musée de plein air de Villeneuve-d'Ascq

About the museum

The open-air museum grew out of an association for the protection of rural heritage, which rescued buildings that were ruined or threatened with demolition, often because of major construction projects. The first house saved for the museum, the Killem-Lynde thatched cottage, dates from 1985. Each building was dismantled and then rebuilt on the Villeneuve-d’Ascq site together with its surroundings. The museum opened in 2007 and is run by the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL).

The village brings together about twenty buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries from Flanders, Artois, Picardy and Hainaut: thatched cottages, hofstede (Flemish farmsteads), chapels, a dovecote, a sheepfold, a malt house, a forge, a bakehouse, and the Vaudricourt mill, the last mill of its type still in working order. Craftspeople work in the cottages, for example a wood turner, a blacksmith, a potter, a basket maker or a saddler.

The site also includes gardens, among them a medicinal garden, a labyrinth and kitchen gardens, as well as pastures with rare-breed domestic animals. Each season brings activities, shows and open-air exhibitions, and an estaminet offers refreshments.

Highlights

• About twenty rural buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries, rebuilt on site
• Vaudricourt mill with rotating cap, visits with the millers
• Craftspeople in the cottages: forge, wood turning, basketry, pottery
• Rare-breed animals and medicinal garden
• Estaminet “Le Bet’leu” and Flemish games

Permanent exhibitions

• Le village reconstitué – About twenty rural buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries: thatched cottages, chapels, dovecote, forge and bakehouse.
• Les artisans du village – Craftspeople in the cottages keep old trades alive: forge, wood turning, basketry, pottery and chair caning.
• Jardins et animaux de races rares – Medicinal and aromatic gardens, a labyrinth, kitchen gardens and pastures with rare-breed domestic animals.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Métropole européenne de Lille (MEL)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Saturday of the month: free admission in the morning, 10:00–13:00 (farmers’ market)

Activities included in the programme are covered by the admission. Some events have their own ticketing. Subscriptions only give free access.

Accessibility

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

Four buildings are not accessible. A route for visitors with reduced mobility is signposted and the paths are stabilized. Two electric mobility scooters and a wheelchair are lent free of charge at the entrance; a portable ramp is available. Induction loop at reception, an easy-read guide (“Facile à lire”) and an accessibility register. Staff trained in disability awareness.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family break on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 15:00, children’s activities, Flemish games, pony rides for ages 2 to 8 on the first Saturday of the month, and birthday parties from age 5 (€12 per child).

Getting there & parking

The museum holds the “Accueil Vélo” label, with around 100 bicycle spaces, a repair kit and battery charging.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

Estaminet “Le Bet’leu” (simple menu, open on opening days from April to October, accessible with the museum ticket). Picnic tables and a shelter on request.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit