About an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Strasbourg is Lapoutroie, a picturesque little village full of surprises. Although the region is renowned for its breathtaking hikes, few expect to discover a museum dedicated to spirits. However, it was the successful bet of René and Monette de Miscault, who transformed, in 1985, a former 18th century coaching inn into a temple of spirits thanks to their personal collection. Thrill-seekers, prepare yourself for a visit that could well make your head spin…
10 000. This is the number of cuties exposed in this free museum, open all year round (except December 25). These small bottles, collected over the years from all over the world, offer a fascinating journey into the history of eaux-de-vie.
Among the museum's collection items, we find various distillation tools including old stills, an object that many Alsatian families owned, often hidden in the cellar. Moreover, until the law of July 20, 1940it was common to distill at home. Today, owning a still requires authorization from French customs, reserved for professionals.
A dizzying collection
Among the gems in this collection, the couple was able to get their hands on absinthe bottles produced before 1915, year of ban of the manufacture, sale and consumption of the drink in France. This legendary drink, accused of causing serious poisoning and driving people crazy, was banned in France for almost a century before being rehabilitated in 2011.
As you progress through the building, you can also discover a unique treasure in France: the complete collection of 300 liqueurs from the year 1950 offered by the Liqueurs Union, authentic and always fulfilled. When our eyes wander over this fascinating collection, it is surprising to discover that among these ancestral liqueurs, many of them are still part of our lives.
Each object in this museum is a rare and emblematic piece that tells the story of artisanal know-how at a time when eaux-de-vie symbolized conviviality and local tradition.
A family story
The visit ends in style with a free tasting brandies produced by the family distillery, founded in 1859 in Fougerolles. You can taste classics, but also real absinthe, 100% natural and distilled from plants grown in-house.
For those who prefer a gentler experience, the liqueurs will delight delicate palates. And if you are won over,The boutique offers a great selection to extend the pleasure at home.
So, are you ready for an extraordinary getaway? Direction Lapoutroie, where heritage, history and flavors mingle in a a trip as unusual as it is authentic!
Quoi ?
Musée
When ?
Dec 25 2024
Or ?
85 Rue du Général Dufieux, 68650 Lapoutroie
More info?
The website
Open every day, all year round, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel: 03.89.47.50.26
