Musée des tourneurs sur bois
Musée de France in Aiguines, on the edge of the Verdon Gorge, devoted to woodturning and the boule cloutée, from craft skills to contemporary art.
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About the museum
In Aiguines, woodturning has been documented since the late 16th century. The village was known for its boules cloutées, ancestors of pétanque balls, sold throughout France, and it called itself the “capital of the boule cloutée” until the mid-20th century.
The commune of Aiguines began creating the museum in 2013 and now runs it. Its collections, which carry the “Musée de France” label, show a heritage of craft skills that has become rare. They also trace the shift from craftsman to artist: today's turners have become true creators. The museum is next to working workshops and the municipal turning school Escoulen.
The route covers wood as a material and as an environment, the evolution of the turner's trade and the boule cloutée, with a permanent exhibition, presentation films and temporary exhibitions.
Highlights
- Boules cloutées, ancestors of pétanque balls
- Boxwood turning and the craft of Aiguines' turners
- From craft trade to contemporary art of woodturning
- Ludo-Bois workshops and activities for ages 6–12 in July and August
- Audio guide in French, English and German
Permanent exhibition
- Exposition permanente sur le tournage sur bois – A route through wood, the turner's trade and the boule cloutée, with presentation films.
- Operated by
- Commune d'Aiguines
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Free for children under 7, with proof of identity. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personFree visit for groups of 10 or more, by reservation only. |
| Guided group tour (from 20 people, outside July and August) | €4 |
| School educational visit (CP to CM2), per child | €1.50 |
| Ludo-Bois workshop (ages 6–12, July and August, by reservation) | €3.50 |
| Audio guide (French, English, German), on site | €1 |
| Fun trail for ages 6–12 | €1 |
Payment by bank card, check or cash.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
According to the tourist office listing: wheelchair accessible, with or without assistance, accessible entrance, toilets with grab bars, drop-off possible in front of the site.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Playground / play area
Ludo-Bois workshops for ages 6 to 12 in July and August (by reservation) and a fun trail for ages 6 to 12. The tourist office listing also mentions a playground.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking and nearby parking, as listed on the tourist office page.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop; picnic area and toilets listed on the tourist office page.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (FR, EN, DE) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A paper booklet is available on site. Groups can take a guided tour from 20 people, from September to June, and must book by telephone or email. Animals are not admitted. |
