The Manufacture Bohin
About This Museum
People don't just come to Bohin for the history; they come to witness a living, breathing piece of France. This isn't a static museum but a real, working factory where artisans still handcraft needles and pins using methods that have barely changed since 1833. The rhythmic clatter of the machines and the focused silence of the women at their workbenches is utterly mesmerizing. You leave not just having seen a museum, but having truly understood a legacy.
Collection Highlights
Watching an artisan meticulously polish sewing needles by hand is unforgettable, as is seeing the original, belt-driven machines from the 19th century still in use today. The sheer variety of items they've produced—from surgical sutures to tiny safety pins—is a fascinating display of industrial evolution.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away in the Normandy countryside, so having your own wheels is pretty essential. Definitely book your tour spot online ahead of time, as they keep groups small and intimate to preserve the workshop atmosphere.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in the original red brick factory buildings, which sit right on the banks of the Risle River. It feels authentically industrial, not staged, with that classic tall-windowed design that let in the light for detailed work long before modern electricity.
Contact & Location
Address: Saint-Sulpice-sur-Risle, Mortagne-au-Perche, Orne, Normandie, France métropolitaine, 61300, France
Phone: +33 2 33 24 89 38
Website: Visit Website
