Musée vivant du ver à soie (Magnanerie de Lagorce)
About This Museum
Tucked away in the Ardèche, this isn't your typical museum; it's a living, breathing magnanery where the ancient art of sericulture—silk making—is still passionately practiced. You can actually hear the munching of thousands of silkworms feasting on fresh mulberry leaves, a sound that transports you back centuries. The heart of the place is its working farm, where you follow the incredible journey from tiny egg to precious golden cocoon. It’s a deeply sensory and utterly unique immersion into a craft that shaped this region.
Collection Highlights
The real stars are the live Bombyx mori silkworms themselves, showcased at every stage of their life cycle. You'll also find beautiful antique looms and tools, but the most captivating exhibit is watching artisans demonstrate the delicate process of reeling the silk from cocoons into gleaming threads.
Visitor Information
Plan to spend a good hour or two to fully appreciate the demonstrations. It's a fantastic, hands-on outing for families, and the on-site boutique lets you bring home a piece of this luxury, selling stunning silk scarves and other products made right there.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a traditional stone farmhouse typical of the Ardèche, with thick walls and a rustic charm that feels perfectly authentic to its purpose.
Contact & Location
Address: 320, Rue de la Traverse, Lagorce, Largentière, Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France métropolitaine, 07150, France
Phone: +33 4 75 88 01 27
Website: Visit Website
