Village Musée du Der
Open-air museum devoted to three villages submerged by Lac du Der, with half-timbered houses and themed gardens.
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About the museum
The museum was created in 1999 under the name Musée du pays du Der. It keeps alive the memory of three villages, Nuisement-aux-Bois, Chantecoq and Champaubert, which disappeared when the Lac du Der-Chantecoq was filled. The lake was inaugurated on January 3, 1974 to regulate floods on the Marne and the Seine.
On July 1, 2014, it officially took the name Village Musée du Der. It presents the historical and natural heritage of the Champagne bocage: half-timbered architecture, daily life and traditional trades of the past, and the church of Nuisement, saved from the waters.
The route includes testimonies from former residents, a previously unreleased 14-minute video and historical newspapers. Themed gardens complete the visit.
Highlights
- Reconstructed village with half-timbered houses
- History of three villages that disappeared under Lac du Der
- Herb garden, heritage vegetable garden and priest's garden
- Nuisement church, saved from the waters
- Guided climb to the water tower with lake views, by reservation
Permanent exhibition
- Village Musée du Der – Half-timbered village telling the story of three vanished villages, with themed gardens and the church of Nuisement.
- Founded
- 1999
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5.50Students and people with disabilities, upon presentation of a card. |
| Children & teens | €4.50free up to age 9 · Children aged 10 to 16. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €6 per personGroups of at least 15 people, by reservation; children aged 10 to 16 €4.00; one free place per 25 people and one for the driver. |
| Families | €202 parents and 2 children. |
| Guided group tour (guide flat fee per group, in addition to €6.00 per adult) | €60 |
Children under 10 free with a parent. Payment by cash, check, Chèques vacances and bank card.
Accessibility
- 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
The entire route is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; benches are placed along the circuit. The climb to the water tower has 130 steps.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
| Family ticket | €20 · 2 parents and 2 children. |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Treasure-hunt games for children; children under 10 enter free with a parent.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Snack bar at reception (coffee, tea, cold drinks, ice cream) and a shop selling regional products, free entry, open year-round. Free Wi-Fi in the snack bar building. Outdoor picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The visit takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, indoors and outdoors; about 2 hours for groups. Groups receive a guided tour by reservation. The climb to the water tower is by reservation, depending on guide availability. Dogs are welcome on a leash. |
