The Alsace Ecomuseum

A veritable treasure trove of Alsatian culture and history, the Écomusée d'Alsace is the largest open-air museum in France! Let yourself be seduced by the unique atmosphere of this authentic Alsatian village, with its mix of authentic buildings and collectors' items.

To put you in the right mood and give you an insight into the way of life of the local people over the years, there are a number of activities on offer every day: boat or tractor rides, history lessons in the old school, meetings with craftspeople...

In the four corners of the park, you can follow the work of the blacksmith, the wheelwright, the potter, the sawyer, the clogmaker, the saddler, the mud mason, the coalman and the carpenter. All the traditional aspects of Alsatian life in the past are brought to life here, with shows, traditional festivals, work in the fields and gardens, old-fashioned merry-go-rounds and the exploration of an industrial ruin.

Alsace Ecomuseum

Chemin du Grosswald, 68190 Ungersheim

www.ecomusee.alsace - Tel: 03 89 74 44 74

Open: from early April to early November, and from early December to early January.

Price: €16.50/adult, €11/child, free for children under 3. A discount applies if you choose to book your tickets online.

Located in Ungersheim, a small village in the Haut-Rhin between Mulhouse and Colmar, the Écomusée d'Alsace is accessible by car, bike or train. While the first two options will take you straight to the museum gates, the train journey (Mulhouse-Bollwiller line) requires around 30 minutes' walk from the station. More information on the Écomusée d'Alsace website.

In addition to the activities and demonstrations held throughout the year in the Ecomuseum park, a number of events are organised throughout the year. The Walpurgisnacht (witches' night - end of April) and the Folk' Festival (in August) are among the most eagerly-awaited celebrations for Alsatians and tourists alike, bringing their share of originality and good humour.

To mark Alsace Fan Day (24 June), the Écomusée is also celebrating Alsatian culture, gastronomy and traditions with dances in traditional costumes, bilingual French-Alsatian shows and a host of other events.

Fancy a sweet or savoury break during your visit to the Écomusée d'Alsace? To satisfy all your cravings, there are three food outlets in the park: the Auberge d'Hégenheim, a self-service restaurant, the Boulangerie, serving gourmet snacks and sandwiches, and the Taverne, a traditional Alsatian winstub. Eight shaded picnic areas are also dotted around the estate: keep an eye out for a few storks!

Located in the heart of the Alsace Ecomuseum, the Hôtel Les Loges is a typical Alsatian residence offering cosy, authentic rooms for 2 to 4 people. If you prefer to stay outside the park, you'll easily find what you're looking for among the hotels and gîtes in the surrounding villages. Two addresses to remember: La Fermes des Iris in Issenheim and Hôtel-Restaurant La Couronne in Ensisheim, two of our editors' favourites.