Village des vieux métiers d'Azannes

About the museum

The Village des Vieux Métiers d’Azannes is an open-air site in Azannes-et-Soumazannes, in the Meuse, about twenty minutes’ drive from Verdun. It has existed for over forty years and covers around 17 hectares.

Each year some 400 volunteers bring more than 80 19th-century crafts back to life in farms, barns, workshops and agricultural areas. Visitors might meet the blacksmith, the joiner, the clog maker, the baker and the weaver, as well as leatherwork, woodwork and traditional farming. Demonstrations and activities run throughout the day, and traditional games are offered to children and adults alike.

The visit is free-form and self-paced, and lasts three to five hours on average. The village only opens on certain days of the year, usually Sundays between May and July, and at other times it hosts school classes and groups. It also offers introductory courses in traditional crafts and hire of function rooms.

Highlights

• More than 80 traditional crafts shown in real settings
• Around 400 volunteers and demonstrations all day
• Site of around 17 hectares with farms, barns and workshops
• Water mill, old schoolroom, wash-house and oil mill
• Traditional games and activities for children
• Introductory courses in traditional crafts

Permanent exhibitions

• Le village des métiers anciens – More than 80 19th-century crafts shown in real settings by volunteers, in farms, barns and workshops.
• Activités ludiques et animations – Traditional games, interactive demonstrations and family activities inspired by rural life in earlier times.

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold at the entrance ticket desks; online booking is recommended to avoid queues. Chèques-Vacances are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

Much of the village is accessible, but some paths are on natural ground; sturdy footwear is advised.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The village is presented as a family outing: children discover the crafts, take part in some activities and play traditional games.

Getting there & parking

The village is about 20 minutes from Verdun and accessible by car: about 1 hour from Metz and Luxembourg, 40 minutes from the Belgian border, and 2 hours from Reims and Paris.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Self-service lunch and dinner without a reservation (menu €20), a regional picnic basket for two people (€25) and snack stands throughout the day (chips, sausages, wood-fired crêpes, waffles and drinks).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 500 guests.

Two interconnected rooms with an equipped kitchen, cold rooms, crockery, heating and sanitary facilities, for weddings, birthdays and seminars. Flat rate: €2,290 from October 1 to March 30, €3,290 from April 1 to September 30. Capacity: 500 covers across both rooms.

Plan your visit