Opened in 1990, the museum of the trade of the past is a truly unusual place. Located in Rochefort, it was born from the passion of a couple of collectors and offers you to discover the shops that populated the streets of our cities more than a hundred years ago: a very interesting journey back in time!
In the heart of a real industrial warehouse dating from 1900, the museum of old trades presents the largest French collection of antique advertising objects. Starting with the presentation of a bicycle repair workshop and a petrol station equipped with its glass pump, the visit then takes you back to the decor of a bistro at the time when absinthe was the star product. The hat shop with its custom-made felt hats and the pharmacy with its many cupboards complete the visit of the ground floor where the immersion is more than successful.
The journey continues on the first floor. There is a grocery store where you can (re)discover some emblematic brands such as Banania chocolate. Then follows a coffee shop filled with spices imported directly from the colonies, a beanery and even a hairdressing salon! Finally, the second floor presents a photographer's workshop, a shoemaker's workshop and a shop-bazaar where you will find... everything you wish to find!
Open from February to December, the museum of old-time shops also presents an exhibition on cognac and an authentic classroom with desks, inkwells and a blackboard. All summer long, visitors can come and test their skills by taking part in the dictation at 2.30pm, a not always easy exercise... In summer another activity is also organised : the dramatised visit ! What could be better than discovering the charm of this place accompanied by costumed actors?
Before leaving, don't forget to visit the shop. It offers a wide range of postcards, old books and replicas of advertising posters.
To prepare your visit go to the official website of the museum.
Bérengère for Comme des Français.
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Let's stay in the atmosphere of the 19th century:
Crédits photo : rochefort-ocean-rochefort-musee-commerces © OT Rochefort Ocean
