Very close to the church of Saint-Martin-de-Crau there is a sometimes little-known treasure, a window open to the past: the Rétromusée. Located in a former sheepfold, this unique 300 m² museum is an invitation to discover daily life and the traditions of yesteryear.
Time travel
As soon as I cross the threshold of the Rétromusée, time stops, I have the feeling of being transported to a bygone era. An immersion in the past at the Rétromusée…
Before telling you more about the riches of this atypical place, you should know that this museum was created in 1987. It was born from a close collaboration between the town hall of Saint-Martin-de-Crau and the Avis family, passionate about history and flea markets. It's a veritable Ali Baba's cave where the accumulated treasures come to life thanks to different skits thought out and created down to the smallest detail.
As my visit progresses, I no longer know where to turn! A wide variety of tools and crafts from the 1970th century to the XNUMXs are presented. Moreover, all the tools were restored by the Avis family, which required a lot of time and patience.
My journey continues. Here I am immersed in the middle of around forty mannequins dressed in period clothing.
F.Gardin
F.GardinDaily life of yesteryear
At the entrance, in a small room, a classroom from a municipal school is recreated. Models, embodying students, wear old black blouses. Among the multitude of objects there, I see old satchels including a wooden one, inkwells, old books, slates, an abacus and a mannequin dressed as a teacher. He is holding a wooden ruler in his hand and is lecturing a student with a dunce cap.
I continue the visit and discover a kitchen area where the making of the famous Provençal aioli is staged by an Arlesian peasant woman. On a small wooden table we recognize garlic, a bottle of olive oil, an imposing mortar and a pestle that she holds in her hand. You could almost imagine the scent...
Trades and know-how highlighted
What could be more fascinating than seeing a piece of furniture or an object created by a carpenter? Are you curious to see what the tools used to sculpt and magnify wood look like? So stop for a moment in front of the sketch of a carpenter's workshop where dozens of tools of all kinds reveal the hard work and artisanal know-how necessary for transforming the raw material.
ACCM Tourisme_Florent GardinA typical job in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
I would like to introduce you to another profession, agricultural this time and closely linked to the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Crau, that of shepherd. The latter has survived the centuries and remains anchored in the territory. A model wears traditional clothes and accessories: the cape, the bag, the staff, the hat; behind him are several bells of different sizes called cowbells which complete this pretty pastoral picture.
Well, I'm not going to say too much because each object on display tells a story and it's up to each of us to make it our own.
F.Gardin
F.GardinWhen the past mixes with the present
What is certain is that the Rétromusée is truly special, its atmosphere is both warm and intimate. It is a beautiful testimony to the industrial, artisanal and agricultural world of yesteryear and questions us about what it has become over time. It pays homage to the heritage, the culture of this territory and the people who shaped its history.
As I leave the Rétromusée, I want to share my discoveries and take with me a new appreciation of the past and traditions.
This museum, dedicated to all ages, allows you to enter the past in a fun way; Moreover, you can see objects, toys, clothes, etc. that are familiar to you…
Practical information
RETROMUSEUM OF SAINT-MARTIN-DE-CRAU
A VISIT TO DO WITH THE FAMILY
Free parking located behind the Maison de la Crau
Full price: €2 / reduced price: €1
Ticket office and access to the Maison de la Crau
2, place Léon Michaud – 13310 Saint-Martin de Crau
Information: 04 90 47 02 01
Facebook : Retromuseum