Forge Oreiller
Historic forge of the Oreiller family in Villette, where cowbells were made with water power and fire, and whose machines still run.
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About the museum
At the beginning of the 19th century, Jean-François Pantaléon Oreiller (1773–1855) turned his father's forge in Bagnes into a workshop for cowbells. The first forge was destroyed by the Giétro disaster in 1818 and rebuilt in Villette. Jean-François made the bells from spring to autumn, in step with the forge, which was driven by the water of the mountain stream. Three of his sons continued the trade; it was passed down within the family through Adrien, Louis and Léon until the workshop closed in 1940.
Oreiller bells were considered particularly good: they are somewhat smaller than today's bells, have an angular shape and a dull, hollow sound. They helped shepherds find lost animals and, in a herd with a pecking order, showed which cow was grazing where.
Today the forge stands on the bank of the mountain stream from Verbier; two paddle wheels supply air to five hearths, along with a massive drop hammer and column drills. The installation is intact and still works; the collection comprises more than 400 machines and tools. The attendant of the house is a metalworker himself and guides visitors through the room. The house belongs to the Musée de Bagnes.
Highlights
- Forge with two paddle wheels, five hearths and a drop hammer
- Machines still operated by water power and fire
- Over 400 machines and tools for making cowbells
- Guided tour by a metalworker
Permanent exhibition
- Forge Oreiller – The former forge of the Oreiller family with water wheels, hearths, a drop hammer and more than 400 machines and tools for making cowbells.
- Operated by
- Musée de Bagnes
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 pay no admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 5Same price as for adults. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 5Same price as for adults. |
| Groups | –Group visits outside the summer opening hours by request. |
| Guided visit (surcharge on admission) | CHF 100In addition to individual admission. |
Admission applies to the Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble and all Maisons du Patrimoine. Free entry with Raiffeisen MemberPlus, Swiss Museum Pass, ICOM, ICOMOS, Abobo, AG Culturel, VIP Pass and CarteCulture Caritas. A PASS Musée & Patrimoine can be borrowed from the Bagnes library and gives free access to the museum and the Maisons du Patrimoine.
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
According to the museum, the historic buildings, with their small rooms and stairs, make the visit difficult for people with limited mobility. Videos and audio stations at the Musée de Bagnes have written transcripts; exhibition texts are available in English.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
According to museums.ch, it is easily reachable by public transport.
The forge is located on the bank of the Verbier stream in Villette (Le Châble).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit takes place with the attendant, a metalworker. Group visits and guided tours by request to the Musée de Bagnes; the museum's school offerings are listed under the section "Accueil des publics". |
