The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Haute-Loire is located in the town of Lavaudieu, in the department of Haute-Loire, 8 km south-east of Brioude.
It was created in 1969. That year, when the Benedictine abbey which made the reputation of the locality celebrates its 900 years of existence, elected officials and passionate citizens judged it relevant to collect and preserve testimonies of the rural life of yesteryear. Over the years, the first collections from the inhabitants of Lavaudieu and its surroundings were enriched through donations or acquisitions and the Association of Friends of Lavaudieu is now responsible for showcasing them.
The fund is thus made up to date of more than a thousand objects (furniture, craft or everyday tools, agricultural equipment, clothing, etc.).
The whole is exhibited in the former house of the local baker, a 19th century building built partly in Volvic stone.
You can visit the main room, a stable and two bedrooms upstairs. The layout and furniture have been preserved, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a deliciously old-fashioned atmosphere.
The museum is located near the abbey and is one of the tourist assets of this charming locality, a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Open every day except Tuesday from May to September. Price: 2 and 3 euros. Information on +33 4 71 76 08 90 or +33 4 71 46 76 00.
