5 experiences at the Marquèze Ecomuseum

A 19th-century day out

Created in 1969 in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, between moorland, forest and river, the Marquèze Ecomuseum allows visitors to share in the daily life of the inhabitants of the Grande Lande at the end of the 19th century. The traditional farm buildings have been grouped together and reconstituted in a typical Landes airial.

All day long, visitors can enjoy demonstrations of weaving and spinning flax on a spinning wheel, sheep shearing, gemmaking techniques, soap making, Gascon game workshops and, for those with a sweet tooth, a tasting of local recipes around the bread oven. In short, a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of our forefathers, in the days of the wading shepherd!

Travel back in time on a century-old train

To reach this 25-hectare open-air museum, you have to climb aboard an old-fashioned train, with its century-old green carriages classified as historic monuments. From 1889 to the 1960s, the “petit train des résiniers” carried workers, goods and passengers from Sabres to Laboueyre. A picturesque ten-minute ride that puts you in the mood right from the start!

Meet the farm animals

The animals, some of which come from ancient domestic breeds, are very present on the Marquèze site: donkeys, ewes, Bordeaux cattle, Gascon pigs, Landes hens, turkeys and other free-roaming ducks are sure to introduce children to life on the farm.

Embark on a life-size treasure hunt

Throw yourself and your family into an exciting open-air riddle hunt, and take on the challenges of a life-size treasure hunt in search of the treasure of Eleanor of Aquitaine. An original and original way to discover the Marquèze Ecomuseum! And for the more connected, the ecomuseum offers touch-screen tablets for interactive visits.

Travel through the ecomuseum’s collections

Don’t leave the Marquèze Ecomuseum without visiting the Pavilion, located opposite the old Sabres railway station. An exhibition traces the history of human activities and the evolution of the Landes de Gascogne landscape, from the industrial period to the present day. In all, some 30,000 original objects are on display, including tools, furniture, textiles, vehicles and period photographs. Each year, temporary exhibitions complement the subjects covered by the permanent collection.