France

THROUGHOUT FRANCE

BRITTANY

Espace Amoco Cadiz Portsall Finistère Brittany Daily 09.30-13.00 & 14.30-19.00 This exhibition commemorates the sinking of the super tanker Amoco Cadiz in March 17th 1978 and the devastating oil spill that it caused and which devastated 350km of the Breton Coastline. The displays and films document the task of cleaning up the oil as well as the long battle to obtain compensation for the disaster.

Centre de Découverte des Algues 5 rue Victor Hugo Roscoff Finistère Brittany 02 98 69 77 05 Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00 The north coast of Brittany has been the home for centuries of seaweed harvesters, this exhibition has a permanent display ( in French ) about the history, harvesting and multiple uses of seaweed. The centre also organises guided walks.

Maison des Mégalithes route des Alignements Carnac Morbihan Brittany 02 97 52 89 99 July – Aug 09.00-20.00 Sept – April 09.00-17.15, May-June 09.00-19.00 This information centre of the Carnac Alignments has a video presentation and models of the megalithic sites and the centre’s rooftop terrace gives a good view of the menhirs. You can also sign up at the centre for guided visits to the alignments.

Village des Artistes Office du Tourisme Bazouges la Perouse Ille-et-Vilaine Brittany 02 99 97 40 94 Exhibitions from April – December please see tourist office for exact dates and times The Village is an experimental artistic site which has been dedicated for the last ten years to contemporary creations. There is a beautiful walk to allow visitors to appreciate the installations, exhibitions, sculptures and photographs and to discover the fine arts and also the areas devoted to artistic professions.

L’Atelier du Verre 4 rue de Radegonde Saint Meloir des Ondes Ille-et-Vilaine Brittany 02 99 89 18 10 Open from the beginning of April each year Daily except Sunday Mornings and Mondays during the winter 10.30-12.30 & 14.30-18.30. During February holidays 14.30-18.00 Visitors can watch the fascinating sight of the glass blowers at work creating pieces that when cooled will join the many items that are on exhibit.

Courtin Fish Cannery 3 quai du Moros Concarneau Finistère Brittany 02 98 97 01 80 Mon-Thurs 10.30, 11.30, 14.30 Fridays 10.30 & 11.30 Free guided tours are available of this fish cannery which was established in 1893 and still uses traditional recipes without using any additives. The cannery specialises in scallops, fish soups and rillettes.

Quiberon et ses couleurs Tourist Office Quiberon Morbihan Brittany Mon-Sat 09.00-12.30 & 14.00-17.30 Within the Tourist Office there is an exhibition which features the work of local painters and artists.

Maison Lucas Zone de Plein Ouest, quai des Saveurs Quiberon Morbihan Brittany 02 97 50 59 50 Free Guided Visits that last for 25 minutes.Mon-Fri 10.00-12.00 & 14.15-17.45, Sat 10.00-12.00, April-June & Sept Tues-Fri 09.00-12.15 & 14.00-17.45, Sat 09.00-12.15 Free guided tours are available of this smoked fish workshops. Visitors can learn the techniques involved in hand cutting and smoking of sardines, salmon and mackerel. www.maisonlucas.com

La Belle Iloise Fish Factory Zone de Plein Ouest, quai des Saveurs Quiberon Morbihan Brittany 02 97 50 08 77 Free Guided 45 minute visits available. Please contact for exact times. Closed on Sundays Since 1932 this fish factory has been using the same methods of manufacturing. Visits include a film of sardine fishing from the 1930s, a scale model of the factory and the chance to observe the cutting line, cooking line and canning line through glass windows. contact@labelleiloise.fr

La Maison d’Armorine Zone de Plein Ouest, quai des Saveurs Quiberon Morbihan Brittany 02 97 50 24 24 Free Guided 40 minute Visits. Please contact for exact times. An authentic family run sweet confectioners that lets visitors see how the products are made. There is also an exhibition of old machines and a film for visitors to watch www.maison-armorine.com

NORTHERN FRANCE

Le Tommy Café on the Albert-Bapaume road Pozieres Somme Picardie 03 22 74 82 84 Daily 09.30-18.00 The café has a World War 1 permanent exhibition in its back garden! There is a reconstructed section of trench which is equipped with battlefield relics. The café owner originally collected objects from the battlefield to sell for pocket money, and his hobby expanded with his finds into this exhibition. www.letommy.com café@letommy.com

Bee Keeping Workshop Route Nationale 2, La fontaine du bois Chavignon Aisne Picardie 03 23 21 61 62 15th March- 29th July & 23rd Aug-15th Nov Daily except Tues and Sundays 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 Visitors can learn about the production of honey and mead and watch the bees as they create the raw materials of which the finished products are made. There is also a Honey Festival on the last Sunday of August.

Grange aux abeilles ( Bee Barn ) Giffaumont-Champaubert Marne Champagne-Ardenne 03 26 72 61 97 March, Oct & Nov Sat & Sunday afternoons, April, May, June & Sept Wed-Sunday afternoons, July & Aug Mon-Fri 13.30-19.00, Sat & Sun 10.00-12.00 & 13.30-19.00 Audiovisual apiculture exhibition. Viewing of worker bees in a live hive. “Sketches” describing bees’ system of organisation. Shop selling hive products www.la-grange-aux-abeilles.com auxabeilles@wanadoo.fr

Les silos, Maison du livre et de l’affiche 7-9 Foch avenue Chaumont-en-Bassigny Haute-Marne Champagne-Ardenne 03 25 03 86 86 July-Aug Daily 14.00-18.30, Sat 09.00-13.00, Sept-June Tues-Thurs 14.00-19.00, Wed-Sat 10.00-18.00 Closed Sundays This unusual venue of converted grain silos is now a multi purpose cultural centre. One of its main attractions is a poster museum which houses over 10 000 posters including works by Toulouse-Lautrec.

Centre européen des métiers d’art 10, quai des Fours Givet Ardennes Champagne-Ardenne 03 24 42 73 36 Daily 10.00-12.00 & 14.30-18.00 Closed Sunday and Monday mornings Housed in a former 17thC custom house this centre has been set up to promote handicraft and visitors can watch the craftsmen and women at work and then purchase the final products in the cellar. www.cema-givet.com

Planétarium et Horloge astronomique 1, Museux place Reims Marne Champagne-Ardenne 03 26 85 51 50 Horloge Astronomique 14.00-18.00, Planetarium tour 14.45 & 16.45 FREE 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Within the former Jesuit college there is a planetarium of which guided tours are available and an astronomical clock which was made by Jean Legros a resident of Reims between 1930 and 1952.

Salle Guillaume de Saint Thierry Signy-l’Abbaye Thiérache Ardennaise Ardennes Champagne-Ardenne 03 24 52 87 26 July-Mid Sept Sat & Sun 15.00-19.00 Daily by request This hall houses an exhibition devoted to the nearby former abbey and its grounds founded in 1135 by 12 Cistercian monks and destroyed in 1793. Exhibits within the hall include maps, photos and explanatory panels. In 1900 the parish church was built on the site of the former abbey.

ALSACE & LORRAINE & FRANCHE-COMTE

Fromagerie du Mont d’Or 2 rue du Moulin Métabief Mont d’Or Jura Franche-Comté 03 81 49 02 36 Cheese shop Mon-Sat 09.00-12.15 & 15.00-19.00, Sun 09.00-12.00 Guided Tours 09.30 This cheese factory produces over 200 tonnes of cheese per year. Guided tours include a visit to the dairy’s salting rooms where the cheeses are washed with salt water, and the maturing cellars where the rounds of cheese are turned by hand twice weekly for up to 12 months.

Cave Vinicole 2 route de Colmar Ribeauvillé Haut-Rhin Alsace 03 89 73 61 80 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 This wine growers co-operative was founded in 1895 and has free admission and free tastings. There is also a small museum inside the building. www.cave-ribeauville.com

Brasseries Heineken 4 rue St-Charles Strasbourg Bas-Rhin Alsace 03 88 19 57 55 Weekdays – phone ahead for times and reservations Free two hour tours in French, German or English are given by this Brewery depending on group bookings.

Ferme du Montagnon Grandfontaine Fournets Luisans Doubs Franche-Comté 03 81 43 57 86 April-Sept 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.30, Oct 14.00-18.00 This farm dates from the 17th & 18thC and still shows evidence of the old traditional farming methods. There is a smoking loft where meat is still cured and the products are on sale in the stables.

Peugeot Factories Montbéliard Doubs Franche-Comté 03 81 33 28 25 Guided tours on weekdays 08.30 by appointment 1 week in advance ( 2 weeks in school holidays ) Minimum age 14 This is the largest of the Peugeot Car factories which manufactures the Peugeot 307, 406 and 607. Guided tours that last for two and a half hours are available of the factory by appointment.

Maison du Parc Headquarters of the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges, 1 cour de l’Abbaye Munster Moselle Lorraine 03 89 77 90 34 May–Sept Tues–Sun09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00; Oct–April Mon–Fri 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 Within the Maison du Parc is a permanent exhibition which illustrates many of the main features of the park through models, videos and interactive terminals. There is also lots of information on various activities to do within the Park.

L’Est républicain rue Théophraste Renaudot Houdemont Meurthe-et-Moselle Lorraine 03 83 59 80 26 Daily 09.40-12.30 by reservation. Free guided tours are available of the offices of one of Lorraine’s best known newspapers. The tours are free but visitors must phone first to reserve a time.

Cristallerie Avenue de la Vallée Hartzviller Moselle Lorraine 03 87 25 10 55 Tours Mon-Fri 09.15-11.00 & 13.00-14.30 Shop open Sat & Sun afternoons Visitors can enjoy a free guided factory tour of these crystal works where approximately eighty glass blowers can be seen at work. There is also a shop where the final products can be purchased. www.cristal.hartzviller.free.fr

Haras National Stud Farm 1, Rue Sainte-Elisabeth Strasbourg Bas-Rhin Alsace 03 88 36 10 13 Daily except Sun & Holidays 09.00-11.30 & 14.00-16.30 Located in a 17th century town house which was converted into a Royal Stud by Louis XV in 1763 , the National Stud Farm of Strasbourg will let you discover its stables, training areas and the forge.

Vincent Laroppe Wine Cellar 253 rue de la République Bruley Meurthe-et-Moselle Lorraine 03 83 43 11 04 Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 There are free tours and more importantly free tastings available at the Vincent Laroppe Wine Cellar which also sells Côtes de Toul wine on the premises.

Marquetry Workshop 3, Cour du Chapitre Saint Léonard, Near Boersch Bas-Rhin Alsace 03 88 95 80 17 Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 This marquetry workshop has been located in the former abbey of Saint Léonard for almost a century and produces some amazing works of art in marquetry including landscapes and contemporary works. There is an exhibition and an audio visual presentation of the work of the craftsmen. www.spindler.tm.fr

Usine d’embouteillage de Vittel SA Vittel Vosges Lorraine 03 29 08 08 88 Mid April – Mid Oct Tues & Thurs by appointment Visitors can watch the production of bottles and the process of bottling and packaging of the famous Vittel water. This factory produces over 5 million bottles per day.

Cave vinicole de Cleebourg route du Vin Cleebourg Bas-Rhin Alsace 03 88 94 50 33 Mon-Sat 08.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00, Sun open from 10.00 Throughout the year visitors can take a guided tour of the winery and enjoy wine tastings led by professionally trained tasting room staff. A visit includes Multimedia presentation about the winery and vineyards a guided tour of the wine cellar and finally a wine tasting. www.cave-cleebourg.com

NORMANDY

Le Tourp Tourp Manor Omonville-La-Rogue Manche Basse-Normandie 02 33 01 85 89 East – November Mon-Sun 13.00-19.00 An unique cultural centre set within the 16C Tourp Manor. The exhibitions include the permanent “Hague Seen From Every Angle” and two temporary exhibitions each year. www.letourp.com

Poterie d’Art Coffignal 2 rue du Calvaire Trévières Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 22 56 73 Mon-Sat 09.00-19.00 Free tour of the pottery workshop and demonstration of turning by appointment Small pottery workshop that produces blue enamel stoneware. After baking the pottery at 1230 degrees it is sprayed with metallic oxide which gives it the deep blue colour.

La Ferme Miniature 1 hôtel Durant Villiers-Fossard Manche Basse-Normandie 02 33 57 06 41 March-Oct Sundays 15.00-19.00 A miniature Norman farm which has been made to a 1:20 scale by Claude Delaunay. This farm started in 1984 represents more than 4000 working hours and includes furniture, two mills and animated scenes that show a rural farm of days gone by. The exhibition is housed in a 100 year old building surrounded by a beautiful garden. Guided tours are given by the creator of the farm.

The Deauville-La Torques Racecourse Deauville Calvados Basse-Normandie Free guided tours of the racecourse on Sunday afternoons during race days at 15.00, 16.00 and 17.00 Free Guided tours leave from the information desk of this racecourse that was built in 1864 at the instigation of Duke the Morny. Inside the racecourse are two polo pitches where top international teams play during the summer season.

Parapluies H2O Hameau de Creullet Creully Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 80 31 35 Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00 Closed in January Small umbrella factory where visitors can learn about the unusual craft of making umbrellas. There is an exhibition and also umbrellas for sale. www.h2oparapluies.fr

The Deauville Clairefontaine Racecourse Route de Clairefontaine Deauville Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 14 69 00 Free Guided Visits at 10.00 on race days. This racecourse is famous not only for its horses but also for its 50 000 flowers, there are free guided tours of the racecourse on race mornings.

Conservatoire de la Dentelle Maison d’Adam et Eve, 6 rue du Bienvenu Bayeux Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 92 73 80 Mon-Sat 10.00-12.30 & 14.00-18.00 This Lace Conservatory is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Normandy lace making. Visitors can watch some of France’s most celebrated lace makers at work as they create intricate designs using hundreds of pins and dozens of bobbins. The products are also on sale in the Conservatory.

Fermicalva La Grand Chemin, 5-6 rue du Mortainais Isigny-le-Buat Manche Basse-Normandie 02 33 48 00 16 Every weekend in May and Daily June-Sept Since 1972 Fermicalva has made and aged apple brandy, fortified cider and pear brandy. Their products range from 2 year old to Vintage 1962 and nearly 40% of their products are exported.

Cidrerie Marcel Viard Guéron Bayeux Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 92 09 15 Free Guided Tours April-June Mon-Fri at 16.00, July – Sept Mon-Fri 10.30 & 16.00 Visitors can take a tour of the orchards where the apples ripen before seeing how apple juice and cider are made from the fruit and visit the cellars and packaging rooms. Visitors can also taste and buy the Bayeux Cider, Pommeau and Calvados that is made on site. www.ciderieviard.com

Cooperative d’Aquaculture de Basse-Normadie Le Marais Blainville-sur-Mer Manche Basse-Normandie Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 & 13.30-16.00 Reservations Only A shellfish centre that processes oysters on land for the purpose of growing which involves washing, sorting, dividing and maturing and for commercial purposes which involves grading and hamper presentation. The centre has an exhibition hall. Free entry for visits without a guide.

Les Fils Croises Broderie-Dentelle 2 rue de la Poissonnerie Bayeux Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 08 18 95 Wed 09.30-12.00 & 13.30-18.30 Saturdays 09.30-12.00 Demonstration and teaching of bobbin lacework and traditional embroidery. Free demonstrations and the chance for visitors to have a go themselves.

Atelier du Bessin 5 Place aux Pommes Bayeux Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 21 98 00 Tues-Sat 10.00-12.30 & 14.00-19.00 ( June-Sept open Monday afternoons also from 14.30-19.00 ) A china and porcelain decoration workshop. Decorations in the old style of Bayeux and tailor-made decorations. There is an exhibition shop where visitors can buy the finished products.

Les Sablés d’Asnelles 17 rue Southampton Asnelles Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 22 32 09 Mon-Fri 09.00-12.30 & 14.00-17.30 Free tours of this biscuit factory are available in the afternoons by appointment. www.multimania.com/asnelles

Normandie Caramels Zone Artisanale Isypole Isigny-sur-Mer Manche Basse-Normandie 02 31 51 66 50 April-Sept Mon-Fri Guided Tours at 10.00 in French. Factory shop open Mon-Sat 09.00-17.30 Visitors can see how the Isigny Caramels are made from local produce ( milk, butter and cream ) which are cooked together in a copper bowl on a guided visit of this workshop and then purchase the delicious final products in the factory shop. www.caramels-isigny.com

Atelier de la Flambardière Route d’Omaha Beach St Honorine des Pertes Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 22 87 81 Open Daily 10.00-19.00 Closed from 13th Feb-19th March and on Sundays from Nov-April. Workshop making musical boxes and wooden items and woodcarvings from local wood such as apple,pear,cherry,ash, elm, oak and linden. Free guided tours by appointment from April 1st on Thursdays at 10.30. Exhibition ” De l’Arbre à l’objet” from the tree to the item with free admission.

Les Vergers de Romilly 14230 Saint Germain du Pert Isigny-sur-Mer Manche Basse-Normandie 02 31 22 71 77 Mon-Sat 09.00-19.00 Free guided tours of the orchards and cellars on Wednesdays at 14.30 which lasts for 2 hours and includes a free tasting. Producers of cider, Pommeau, Calvados, apple juice, cider vinegar and cider jelly. There are free guided tours on Wednesdays and a 10 minute film on the orchard, the cellars and the production on their products which are available to taste and buy.

Visages d’Alençon Maison d’Ozé, Place de la Magdeleine Alençon Orne Basse-Normandie 02 33 80 66 33 Please see tourist office for opening hours This exhibition relates the history of the Dukes of Alençon and its monuments via the use of visual aids.

EcoMusee de l’Abeille Le Vey Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 69 46 27 1st July – 31st August Tues-Sun 15.00-18.00 Here visitors can discover the world of bees and beekeeping techniques. There is an exhibition and a video that explain the processes involved in the skill and visitors can also sample and buy honey and related produce.

Exposition des Techniques Fromageres rue Saint Benoist Saint Pierre sur Dives Calvados Basse-Normandie 02 31 20 97 90 15th April – 14th Oct Mon-Fri 09.30-12.30 & 13.30-18.00, Sat 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-17.00, 15th Oct-14th April Mon-Fri 09.30-12.30 & 13.30-17.30 Closed on Sundays. An exhibition that traces the process involved in cheese production, its marketing and consumption. Entrance to the exhibition is via the Tourist Office.

CENTRE & PAYS DE LA LOIRE

Caveau des Vignerons d’Amboise opposite 42 place Michel Debré Amboise Indre-et-Loire Centre 02 47 57 23 69 March-Nov 10.00-19.00 This wine cellar is run by local wine growers and visitors can taste six white, three red and two rosé wines for free, as well as two types of Touraine Crémant de Loire ( a champagne like drink )

Maison du Vin de l’Anjou 5bis place du Président Kennedy Angers Maine-et-Loire Pays de la Loire 02 41 88 81 13 March – Dec Tues-Sat 09.00-13.00 & 15.00-18.30 Sun 09.00-13.00 Visitors can sample Anjou and Saumur wines here and learn about the 28 regional wines of the district from the experienced and local staff.. www.vins-valdeloire.com

Maison du Sabot et des Métiers d’Antan Place Maxime Boisseau Neufchâtel-en-Saosnois Sarthe Pays de la Loire 02 43 97 75 54 July, Aug & Sept Sundays and public holidays 15.00-18.00 This village in the heart of the Perseigne forest presents the skills of old woodcrafts such as clog makers, timber jacks, carpenters and cart wrights. The tools that are used are witness to the past.

Fromagerie Le Cure Nantais le Clion sue Mer, 28 rue de Port Chéri, Pornic Loire-Atlantique Pays de la Loire 02 40 82 28 08 July & August Monday-Friday Mornings Visitors can learn about the 100 year old art of transforming milk into the oldest cheese of the Nantais country, and the visit ends with a tasting of the final product. www.curenantais.com

Gaec du Fournil La Barre Saint-Anne-sur-Brivet Loire-Atlantique Pays de la Loire 02 40 88 13 24 Wed & Fri 15.00-18.00 Tours of the dairy farm, a video presentation on bread making, baking and the removal of bread from the oven are available for visitors.

Vine and wine museum 3 rue Gustave Marc Onzain Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 20 78 52 July 1st-August 31st Tues-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.30-18.00 An exhibition of antique tools used on the vine in addition to displays of objects and clothes from the 19thC are on display within this House of tourism and museum of the vine

Ferme du Moulin 27 route de Beaugency Oucques Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 23 21 48 Daily except Sunday and Wednesday mornings, 10.30-13.30 & 15.30-19.00 This farm specialises in the production of Mirabelle plums and its products include jellies, canned fruit and liquor. There are also local farm products available including eggs, wine and foie gras as well as temporary art exhibitions on site.

Cave Daniel Tévenot 4 rue du Moulin à vent Madon Cande-sur-Beauvron Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 79 44 24 Open all year Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00. There are free guided visits and wine tastings at this cellar in June, July, August and November. The cellar produces both red and white wines and includes AOC Cheverny and Crémant-de-Loire.

Domaine Clos de l’Aumônière 20 voie de la Germonière Cour-Cheverny Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 79 25 49 Daily 08.00-20.00 Free guided visits and wine tastings are available at this cellar which produces AOC Cheverny and cour-Cheverny

Domaine du Croc du Merle 38 rue de la Chaumette, Muides-sur-Loire Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 87 58 65 Mon-Sunday Morning 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00. Closed Sunday afternoons. Free visits of this cellar which lies between the banks of the Loire and the Sologne. The cellar produces AOC Cheverny and AOC Crémant de Loire.

House of Wine and Products of the Vendômois Land Ancienne Gare Thore-la-Rochette Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 72 73 97 March , April, May, June, September and October, Sundays 14.00-18.00, July & August Daily except Mondays 14.00-18.00 From the old train station the house sells and offers tastings of local regional products which include, wines, goat cheese, duck and venison, cold meats, sweets, cakes, jams, ciders and more. There are also exhibitions of local art products on display.

Production of Gerberas, Anthuriums and Roses route d’Aulnières Cellettes Loir-et-Cher Centre 02 54 70 48 32 Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 Over 1 hectare of greenhouses that produce Gerberas, Anthuriums and Roses without the use of soil.

BURGUNDY

Town Hall Exhibition Town Hall St-Romaine-le-Bas Côte-D’Or Burgundy 03 80 21 28 50 July Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00, Aug Daily 15.00-18.00, Early Sept-Mid Sept Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00 Within the town hall there is an exhibition which focuses on local archaeology and ethnology.

Maison de Benoît Raclet Romanèche-Thorins Saône-et-Loire Burgundy 03 85 35 51 37 Guided Tours by appointment 2 weeks in advance, Closed Nov-March Guided tours are available of this wine producer, Raclet’s method of pouring boiling water onto the vines to kill the pyralis worm was used up until 1945.

LANGUEDOC – ROUSSILLON

Confiserie Boudet Chemin St Christol Pézenas Hérault Languedoc-Roussillon 04 67 98 16 32 July-Aug Mon-Fri 09.00-11.00. Out of season on request. Tours of the confectionary where berlingots de Pézenas are made are available as well as tastings of the final products.

Cultural Centre in Memorial Of Former Soldiers 102 rue Trivalle Carcassonne Aude Languedoc-Roussillon 04 68 72 40 16 Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-17.00, Saturdays and Sundays by appointment An exhibition of military history supported by objects, costumes, accessories and documents.

Grande Cave Route du Mas Reig Banyuls-sur-Mer Pyrénées-Orientales Languedoc-Roussillon 04 68 98 36 92 April – Oct 10.00-19.30 Nov-March 10.00-13.00 & 14.30-18.30 60 minute guided tours are available of this wine cellar which include a video on the history of the Banyuls Wines and a tour of where the oak barrels are stored, where the wines are left to mature in the sun and also of the antique casks in the cellars. There is also an opportunity to taste the wine during the tour. www.banyuls.com accueil-visite@templers.com

Coopérative L’Oulibo Hameau de Cabezac, Bize Minervois Aude Languedoc-Roussillon 04 68 41 88 88 Winter Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00, Summer Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00, Sat opens 09.00, Sun opens 10.00 Free guided tours are offered in Summer of this Cooperative that produces olives and olive oil. There is also regional produce for sale such as honey, wine, jams and sweets.

Huilerie du Pont du gard Rue de la Masade Collorgues Gard Languedoc-Roussillon 04 66 81 21 13 Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00, Sat 08.00-12.00 A family company now in the third generation that has been manufacturing olive oil since the 1930s. Visitors can see the entire process of olive oil manufacturing with the final process of bottling.

Sodicas ZI d’en Tourré Castelnaudary Aude Languedoc-Roussillon 04 68 94 45 80 Daily 09.00-12.00 7 14.00-18.00 Since 1978 this company has been preserving local Castelnaudary dishes made to traditional recipes with quality local ingredients including Cassoulets and foie gras. Tours of the facility are free and there is a shop on site selling the final products.

Charcuterie de Cerdagne Chemin d’Estavar Saillagouse Pyrénées-Orientales Languedoc-Roussillon 04 68 04 71 53 Tues-Sat 10.00-12.00 & 15.00-19.00, Sun 10.00-12.00 Closed November and for 10 days in May A museum of pork butchery with a video presentation and photographs showing the trade past and present. There is a natural drier which can take up to 80 hams at once. There are free tours and tastings available. www.bernard-bonzom.com contact@bernard-bonzom.com

The Sieur D’Arques Wine Cellars Avenue de Mauzac Limoux Aude Languedoc-Roussillon 04 68 74 63 45 Mon-Sat 09.00-12.30 & 14.00-18.30, sun 09.00-12.30 & 14.30-18.00 Visits must be booked in advance outside the Summer period. This company produces and markets still and sparkling wines, a 7 minute film describes the Limoux area, the products of the co-operative and how they are made. The guided tour includes models and audio terminals, the gallery of the barrels and wine tasting.

PROVENCE & CÔTE D’AZUR

Confiserie Florian Le pont du Loup Tourettes sue Loup Alpes-Maritmes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 93 598 32 91 Factory Daily 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.30 This sweet factory was created in 1949 and during the guided tours visitors can learn how the regions best fruit and flowers are transformed into chocolates, sweets and jams. The ingredients are seasonal and include citrus fruits, violets and jasmine There is a free tasting session too. The products are also available to buy in the shop.

Préau des Accoules 29 montée des Accoules Marseille Bouches-du-Rhône Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Wed & Sat 13.30-17.30 This former Jesuit college puts on wonderful exhibitions especially designed for children the purpose of which are to familiarise children with the different forms of art.

Fondation Alexandra David-Néel 27 av Maréchal Juin Digne-Les-Bains Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 92 31 32 38 Free Guided Tours of approximately 2 hrs Daily at 10.00, 14.00 & 15.30 Paris born writer and philosopher Alexandra David-Néel spent two months in the forbidden city of Lhasa in Tibet in the 1900s disguised as a beggar, before settling in Digne. Her memory and her interest in Tibet are kept alive by the foundation.

Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence Maison des Vins, RN 7 Les Arcs-sur-Argens Var Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 94 99 50 29 July & Aug Daily 10.00-20.00, Oct-April Mon-Sat 10.00-13.00 & 13.30-18.00 Free wine tastings are on offer here and explanations of the many different styles of Provence wines are available in English.

Cave Père-Anselme avenue Bienheureux-Pierre-de-Luxembourg Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vaucluse Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 90 83 70 07 July & Aug Daily 09.00-13.00 & 14.00-19.00, Sept-June 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00 Within the Cave Père-Anselme is a wine museum. The museum and the cellar covers two levels, which represents a total surface area of 500 m². Half of this surface is devoted to displays and the other for free tastings. Tours of the museum and cellar last approximately 1 hour. www.brotte.com musee@brotte.com

Maison du Parc RD 570 Pont de Gau 4km from Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer Bouches-du-Rhône Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 90 97 86 32 April-Sept daily 10.00-18.00, Oct-March Daily except Fri 09.30-17.00 The Maison du Parc has a large panoramic space which gives a year-round view of the Ginès marsh, where large numbers of water birds nest and spend the winter. There are also temporary and permanent exhibitions and a shop.

House of the Bee 1km along the road to Digne Riez Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur June-Sept daily 10.00-12.30 & 14.30 & 19.30 Oct-May Tues-Sat 14.00-18.00 A research and visitors centre where visitors can buy various honeys including the local speciality – lavender honey and hydromel a honey alcohol made from nectar.

Perfume Factory Show Rooms Various factories throughout Grasse, ask at tourist office for full details. Grasse Alpes-Maritmes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 93 36 66 66 Open daily during Summer months There are thirty major perfumeries in and around Grasse and many of them offer free Guided tours in English of their traditional perfume factories. A few to try are Fragonard at 20 bd Fragonard ( www.fragonard.com) Galimard at 73 rte de cannes ( www.galimard.com) and Molinard at 60 bd Victor-Hugo ( www.molinard.com)

Parfumerie Molinard 60 blvd Victor Hugo Grasse Alpes-Maritmes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 92 42 33 11 April, May, June & Sept Daily 09.00-18.30, July & August Daily 09.00-19.00, Winter Mon-Sat 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 Guided tours of this perfume factory where visitors can see how perfume is created. There is also a unique collection of perfume bottles including Lalique and Baccarat and antique furniture from the 15th 16th and 17th Centuries.

Centre du Patrimoine 75, quai des Etats-Unis Nice Alpes-Maritmes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 92 00 41 90 Mon-Fri 08.30-17.00 This building houses collections on the architectural richness, the history and patrimonial information about Nice and the local region.

Theatre de la Photographie et de l’image 27 blvd Dubouchage Nice Alpes-Maritmes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 93 80 11 00 Tues-Sun 10.00 -18.00 This centre’s mission is to collect photographs of Nice and its region by researching ancient documents and also to send out photographers to report on the city’s human, urban, historic and industrial heritage. www.tpi-nice.org

Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol Esplanade of Gaulle Aubagne Bouches-du-Rhône Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 42 03 83 62 Mid Feb-Mid Nov (Tue-Sun) 9.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 An unusual centre has an impressive display of 200 santons ( small figures usually used in Christmas Cribs) the santons represent the local area, famous people and film scenes. There is also a model of the local area with finely detailed figures representing the local trades and occupations and details on the creator of the centre.

Moulin A Papier Vallis Clausa chemin de la Fontaine Fontaine-De-Vacluse Vacluse Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 04 90 20 34 14 Daily 09.00-18/20.00 Sundays opens at 10.30 Here the medieval process of pulping rags into paper has been resurrected. Flowers are added to the pulp and the paper which is created is decorated with a wide array of drawings. Tourists can watch the whole process from a gallery that overlooks the dual water wheels and the work area. Beautiful paper as it was made in the 16thC is sold in the adjoining boutique and gallery.

MASSIF CENTRAL

Atelier-Conservatoire National de la Dentelle 2 rue Duguesclin Le Puy-en-Velay Haute-Loire Auvergne 04 71 09 74 41 Free hour long visits start at 10.00 and 14.00 on Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday. Lace making was an once an important local industry in this region and this is where the French government orders some of the prestigious gifts that it gives to visiting heads of state.

Papillon Roquefort Cheese Making Cellars 8 bis avenue de Lauras Roquefort-sur-Soulzon Aveyron Massif Central 05 65 58 50 08 April-June & Sept Daily 09.30-11.30 & 13.30-17.30, July & Aug Daily 09.30-18.30, rest of year Mon-Fri 09.00-11.30 & 13.30-16.30 A visit to this manufacture of the famous Roquefort cheese includes a short film, a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the final product. www.roquefort-papillon.com contact@roquefort-papillon.com

Mont Aigoual Parc National des Cévennes Valleraugue Gard Massif Central 04 67 82 60 01 May – September from 10.00 – 13.00 & 14.00-18.00 July and August 10.00-19.00 The observatory at the top of Mont Aigoual has an exhibition in three sections, the first is devoted to the work of Météo France and there are meteorologists available to talk about their work and answer questions, the second section is about Mont Aigoual and its climate over the seasons with over 800 images and the final part of the exhibition shows various measuring instruments from the late Nineteenth Century to the present and the weather records stretching back to the start of the Twentieth Century

Maison de la Paysannerie Les Barlets Arronnes Allier Auvergne 04 70 41 87 02 Every Afternoon from 1st March to 31st December This is the House Of The Peasantry and houses an exhibition on peasant life which also includes tasting and sale of local produce tanteangele@planetis.com

La Maison Couleur Du Temps Hameau de Petit Clémagnet Vénas Allier Auvergne 04 70 06 84 83 1st-31st August open daily except Tues 15.00-19.00. Rest of the year open Sundays and holidays 15.00-19.00 Visitors can enjoy a guided tour at The Colour Of Time House of the unusual “painted house” which centres on the theme of time.

Adater- House of Nature 5-6 rue des Orfèvres Le Veurdre Allier Auvergne 04 70 66 48 25 Open all year for events and from June-Sept Sundays 15.00-18.00 for visits to the House of Nature .During the week by reservation . Free to visit the exhibition, please contact for details of events The House of Nature incorporates an Exhibition, media library and various events on the theme of the environment.

Jardin Musée de la Vigne rue des Vignes Vielle-Brioude Haute-Loire Auvergne 04 71 50 92 44 09.00-18.00 From 1st June-14th September Visitors can learn all about the history of the vine and wine in the Ribeyre region in this garden museum located around the church and discover the development of the vine at the cellar through the centuries.

Centre européen d’Art et de Civilisation médiévale Above the village Conques Aveyron Massif Central 05 65 71 24 00 Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 A cultural reference centre for the historical period from 476 to 1453 located in an underground complex overlooking Conques. The complex uses its collections to host various programmes such as presentations, seminars, classes and concerts on western medieval civilisation.

La Maison du Miel Saint Laurent de Veyres Fournels Lozère Massif Central 04 66 31 03 62 July – Mid September Daily 14.30-18.30 This unusual exhibition tells about the world of honey via the medium of film, illustrations, cut open hives and honey tasting. There is a human sized replica of a hive outside which lets visitors see how bees work throughout the different stages of production and visitors can also join in with the extraction of honey and putting it into containers. www.maison-miel.com contact@maison-miel.com

RHONE VALLEY & ALPS

Tours of Nougat Sweet Factories various locations in Montélimar Montélimar Drôme Rhône-Alpes Various times ask at the tourist office A dozen nougat producers in Montélimar offer free tours of their sweet factories the tourist office across the park from the train station can provide full details of the various factories. Traditional Montélimar nougat consists of 28% almonds, 25% lavender honey 2% pistachio nuts, sugar, egg white and vanilla and has been produced in Montélimar since the 17C

Évian Factory Public Relations Office, 22 av des Sources Évian-les-Bains Haute-Savoie Rhône-Alpes 04 50 26 80 80 Tours are free but must be booked in advance The famous Évian mineral water is produced at this factory. The water takes 15 years to trickle down through the Chablais mountains gathering minerals en route before emerging at a constant temperature of 52.8 degrees F. Free tours can be arranged of the factory.

Jaillance Cave avenue de la Clairette Die Drôme Rhône-Alpes 04 75 22 03 03 Daily 09.00-12.30 & 14.00-18.00, July & Aug 09.00-19.00 Clairette de Die is the local sparkling white wine which is produced in Die. Here at the Jaillance cave visitors can enjoy a tour of the wine making facilities and a free tasting of the final product.

Caves de la Chartreuse 10 boulevard Edgar-Kofler Voiron Isère Rhône-Alpes 04 76 05 81 77 April-June & Sept-Oct Daily 09.00-11.30 & 14.00-18.30, July & Aug Daily 09.00-18.30, Nov-March Mon-Fri 09.00-11.30 & 14.00-17.30 This is where the famous alcoholic herbal elixirs known as Chartreuses and brewed by the Carthusian monks of the Grande Chartreuse monastery are now bottled. Tours take visitors through the world’s largest liqueur cellars and include a 3D film on the history of the monastery and a tasting of one of the beverages. www.chartreuse.fr

LIMOUSIN / DORDOGNE / LOT

Maison des Vins Cloître des Récollets, Via quai Salvette Bergerac Dordogne Aquitaine 05 53 63 57 55 July & Aug Daily 10.00-19.00 Sept – Jun Tues-Sat 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 The Maison des Vins offers free wine tastings and sells a selection of local wines and is set in the charming 16C Cloître des Récollets.

L’Espace Patrimoine Château du Doyen Carennac Lot Midi-Pyrénées 05 65 33 81 36 April-June Tues-Fri 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 , July-Sept Tues-Sun 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 This 16C Chateau now houses a heritage centre which showcases the art and history of the region.

Ecole Nationale d’Art Décoratif d’Aubusson Place Villeneuve Aubusson Creuse Limousin 05 55 83 05 40 Mon-Fri 13.00-18.00 Within this school which was established in 1884 there are frequent public exhibits of the works of the students who study to gain a diploma in textile design.

Protestant Temple place du Docteur-Cayla Bergerac Dordogne Aquitaine 05 53 57 02 79 Mid July – Mid Sept 10.00-12.00 & 15.00-19.00 This 13C chapel became a Protestant temple in the 18C and now is home to an exhibition on local Protestantism.

Centre d’Art Contemporain Georges-Pompidou route de Gréalou Cajarc Lot Midi-Pyrénées 05 65 40 78 19 June-Aug 13.00-19.00, Sept-May Tues-Sun 14.00-18.00 This centre organises exhibitions of the works of art of contemporary European artists. Previous exhibitions have featured the works of Soulages and Hartung.

Maison de la Porcelaine 14 avenue du président Wilson Aixe-sur-Vienne Haute-Vienne Limousin 05 55 70 14 68 July-Aug Guided Tour Daily at 10.00, 11.00, 15.00, 16.00 & 17.00, Sept, Dec & April-June Daily at 15.00, Oct-Nov Mon-Fri 10.00 & 15.00 Here visitors can see Step into an authentic factory, housed in a beautifully restored Limoges residence how porcelain is made on a guided tour of the workshop which lasts for approximately thirty minutes and a fascinating behind-the-scene tour, meeting the skilled craftspeople who cast and decorate the porcelain.

Atelier des bastides Behind the church, rue Jean Galmot Monpazier Dordogne Aquitaine 05 53 27 09 25 June-Sept 10.00-12.30 & 15.00-18.30 Focusing on Bastides – fortified towns built in medieval France starting around 1229, this centre explains their history through exhibitions, models, photos and archaeology.

Galerie d’Art le Casino Mouliérat avenue St-Céré Lot Midi-Pyrénées 05 65 38 19 60 July-Sept Mon-Sat 09.30-12.00 & 14.00-18.30, Sun 11.00-19.00, May-June Mon & Wed-Sat 09.30-12.00 & 14.00-18.30, Sun 11.00-19.00, Oct-April Daily except Tues & Sun 09.30-12.00 & 14.00-18.30 This gallery houses a large collection of tapestries by Jean Lurçat which hang on the walls and depict fantastic animals and cosmic visions, in addition to various temporary exhibitions.

Distillerie Louis Roque 41 avenue Jean-Jaurès Souillac Dordogne Aquitaine 05 65 32 78 16 Mon-Sat 08.30-12.00 & 14.00-17.00 This distillery makes regional liqueurs that still use the traditional recipes from over 100 years ago. The most famous liqueur produced here is la vieille prune. Visitors can visit the on site distillery museum and sample the finished product for free. www.lavieilleprune.com info@lavieilleprune.com

Centre Régional de Documentation sur l’Archéologie du Paysage Hôtel du Sénéchal, 14, street of Justice Uzerche Corrèze Limousin 05 55 73 26 07 July-Aug Daily except Tues 14.30-18.30. Rest of the year by arrangement. This centre documents recent archaeological research that has taken place in the area and covers the periods from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages.

THE PYRENEES & TOULOUSE AREA

Chocolats Anton place du Marché Espelette Pyrénées-Atlantiques Aquitaine 05 59 93 80 58 Please call for exact opening times This is the premises of a specialist chocolate maker that offers free tastings of its delicious products.

Bleu de Lectoure pont de Pile, on the D7 road to Condom Lectoure Gers Midi-Pyrénées 05 62 68 78 30 Summer 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-19.00 Winter 09.30-12.30 & 14.00-18.30 A small tannery where the leaves of Isatis Tinctoria are converted into the blue dye that is known as woad. Free guided visits are available where visitors can see the whole extraction process taking place in the workshops.

Chais Ryst-Duperon 36 rue Jean Jaurès Condom Gers Midi-Pyrénées 05 62 28 08 08 July & Aug Daily 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.99, Sept-June Wed-Sun 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-17.00 Located in the 18C Hôtel de Cugnac this is where the famous liquor Armagnac is aged and is one of the several Armagnac producers that offer free tastings.

Palais des Scènes North of place Charles-Portal Cordes-sur-Ciel Tarn Midi-Pyrénées 05 63 56 00 78 Daily except Mon 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00 Closed Feb & March This unusual exhibition has an animated tableaux that tells visitors the history of the fortified town.

Cave coopérative de Labastide-de-Lévis Marssac-sur-Tarn Tarn Midi-Pyrénées 05 63 53 73 73 Mid June-Mid Sept 09.00-12.30 & 14.00-19.00, Rest of Year 09.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00 Closed Sundays Guided tours of every stage of wine production and free tastings of the final product are available at this wine cooperative which produces the famous Gaillac perle.

POITOU-CHARENTES & ATLANTIC COAST

La Cave d’Ulysse 2 rue de la Tremoille Margaux Gironde Aquitaine 05 57 88 79 94 Mon-Fri 09.00-19.30, Sat 10.00-19.30 Free tastings of a variety of Margaux chateaux wines are available here, the wine is also available to buy on the premises and prices range from approximately 5 Euros to 2500 Euros! www.caveulysse.com

Le Moulin de papier du Verger Puymoyen Charente Poitou Charentes 05 45 61 10 38 Workshops Mon-Fri 16.00-18.00 Sat & Sun afternoons only gallery open to visitors This mill has been producing paper in the traditional Charente way for four hundred and fifty years. Today it continues to produce paper on a small scale using linen and cotton. Within the mill there is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and carvings. The visit starts in the workshops, the drier, and finishes in the gallery www.moulinduverger.com

Cognac Louis Royer 27-29 rue du Chail Jarnac Charente-Maritime Poitou Charentes 05 45 81 02 72 For early July to end August Wed-Sat 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00, Sundays 14.00-19.00 Visitors can enjoy a free guided tour of these cellars which also offer the opportunity for visitors to discover the cognacs and liqueurs. www.louis-royer.com

Bordeaux Monumental 28 rue des Argentiers Bordeaux Gironde Aquitaine 05 56 48 04 24 Mon-Sat 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-18.00 Sun 14.00-18.00 This exhibition presents six portraits of the City of Bordeaux from times of Roman Burdigala to the contemporary new urban project. The exhibition shows different styles of architecture, historical events and ways of life in the City.

Maison du Vin des Premières Côtes de Blaye 11 Cours Vauban Blaye Gironde Aquitaine 05 57 42 91 19 July & August Tues, Wed & Thurs 11.00-12.00 Please make reservations the same day before 10.00 Wines from the Blaye appellation are for sale here are there is a free introduction to wine tasting held in a specially equipped room during July & August on Tues, Wed & Thurs. www.boutique-vin-blaye.com contact@boutique-vin-blaye.com

Maison du Pays de Saint-Macaire 8 rue du canton Saint-Macaire Gironde Aquitaine 05 56 63 32 14 All year Tues-Sat 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00, April-Sept Sun 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-19.00 There are local products and sales of Bordeaux and Côtes de Bx-St Macaire wines here as well as a free slide show of the area and Free tastings of the wine daily during July & August in addition to tours of the cellars.

Maison des vins de l’Entre-deux-Mers 4 rue de l’abbaye La Sauve Majeure Gironde Aquitaine 05 57 34 32 12 Oct-April Mon-Fri 10.30-12.00 & 13.30-17.00, May-Sept Daily 11.00-18.00 A permanent exhibition on Monks and wine in the Middle Ages in addition to wine tastings and sales of the products. On Sunday visitors can also meet with the producers.

Maison du Vins des Côtes de Bourg 1 place de l’Eperon Bourg Gironde Aquitaine 05 57 94 80 20 Mid June – Mid Sept Daily 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-19.00, Mid Sept – Easter Daily except Sun 09.30-12.30 & 14.00-18.00, East – Mid June Daily 09.30-12.30 & 14.00-18.00 Information on the visits of the different châteaux of the area and a wide selection of Côtes de Bourg wines available at châteaux direct prices. Visitors can also enjoy free wine tasting sessions every day from 15th June – 15th September.

PARIS

Maison Europeenne de la Photographie Hôtel Henault de Cantobre 5-7 rue de Fourcy Paris Île-De-France 01 44 78 75 15 Wed-Sun 11.00-20.00 FREE ON WEDNESDAYS AFTER 17.00 This magnificent private 18C mansion regularly hosts exhibitions of worldwide photography themes, movements and artists from the second half of the 20C and from all over the world. www.mep.fr.org

Pavillon de l’Arsenal 21 bd Morland Marais Paris Île-De-France 01 42 76 33 97 Tues-Sat 10.30-18.30, Sun 11.00-19.00 Here current architectural projects are on display and the exhibition shows how past and present developments have evolved. There is a permanent exhibition of photos, plans and models including a city model that is linked to a touch screen choice of 30 000 images. www.pavillon-arsenal.com infopa@pavillon-arsenal.com

Centre Culturel Franco Japonais – Espace Hattori 8 passage Turquetil Paris Île-De-France 01 43 48 83 64 Mon- Fri 10.00-18.00, Sat 12.00-18.00 This centre offers a range of artistic and cultural activities that focus each year on a Japanese region. Since the opening of this centre in 1993, French and Japanese, painters, sculptors, dancers, actors and craftsmen have enriched this place with their creations. www.ccfj-paris.org infos@ccfj-paris.org

Institut Tessin – Centre Culturel Suedois Hôtel de Marie 11 rue Payenne Paris Île-De-France 01 44 78 80 20 Exhibitions Tues-Fri 14.00-18.00 Sat & Sun 14.00-19.00 Institute open Tues-Fri 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00 An exhibition illustrating the artistic history and exchanges between France and Sweden. There are exhibitions of 18 & 19C artworks and Swedish contemporary paintings. www.amb-suede.fr c.c.s@wanadoo.fr

AROUND PARIS

Suburban and Architectural Visitor Centre 41 rue Anthonioz de Gaulle Athis-Mons Essonne Île-De-France 01 69 38 07 85 Wed & Sat 14.00-18.00 during temporary exhibitions. Please contact for details This Association was set up to act as an interpretation centre for the urban and suburban environment and architecture and hosts regular temporary exhibitions.

Grange aux Moines Children’s Farm 3 RD 83, plateau du Tertre La Ferté-Alais Essonne Île-De-France 01 64 57 71 75 Wed & Sat 10.00-12.00 & 13.30-17.00 free unescorted tours for individuals. A children’s farm set in 7 hectares of land which includes goats, ewes, poultry and rabbits. Visitors can observe the animals, their young and the various crops grown on site, life on the farm and the activities that take place there. There is a reception with teaching aids and a farm shop that sells produce from the farm itself and also the local area.