Summer events
From July to September
The summer season has begun! The lovely summer weather in Landes is perfect to (re)discover the village of Marquèze with family or friends, as a couple or by yourself.
Climb aboard the train, with its carriages registered as a historic monument and dating back to 1903, and enjoy an experience where time stands still at the heart of the iconic 19th-century Landes region.
It’s an authentic journey that will plunge young and old into the history of Landes, from past to present. It starts at the Pavilion, where you can see the permanent exhibition on land development in the Landes de Gascogne, as well as the temporary exhibition on sport. Then, the tour experience continues along a 4 km train ride from Sabres to Marquèze, immersed in daily Landes life. Finish by returning on the train...
Take a day to come together, discover, share, explore and savour. And that’s not all - summer at Marquèze also means traditional events and unforgettable occasions. Save the date!
Unmissable events
JULY
Baby Museum, Sunday 7 July at 11:15am
Baby Museum is a multisensory trail made especially for children from 6 months to 3 years old. It’s a short-format trail of around half an hour, where kids will smell, touch, taste, listen and observe. All the senses are awakened for a unique first museum visit!
AUGUST
Baby Museum, Sunday 4 august at 11:15am
Baby Museum is a multisensory trail made especially for children from 6 months to 3 years old. It’s a short-format trail of around half an hour, where kids will smell, touch, taste, listen and observe. All the senses are awakened for a unique first museum visit!
Starry Night, Sunday 5 August at 9:15pm
The Marquèze village, isolated at the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Forest, is a wonderful place to engulf yourself in the Milky Way and observe the stars. Equipped with stargazing equipment, members of the Astronomie Gironde association will host this evening at the Ecomuseum.
Traditional Hunting and Fishing Day, Sunday 27 August
Take a day to discover the hunting and fishing practices traditionally found in the Landes with our mediators and partners.
SEPTEMBER
Baby Museum, Sunday 1st september at 11:15am
Baby Museum is a multisensory trail made especially for children from 6 months to 3 years old. It’s a short-format trail of around half an hour, where kids will smell, touch, taste, listen and observe. All the senses are awakened for a unique first museum visit!
European Heritage Days, 21 and 22 September
For the occasion of the traditional European Heritage Days, head to Parc Naturel Régional de Gascogne and Marquèze Ecomuseum, for a festive, free weekend discovering the heritage in the Ecomuseum and the local area.
Temporary exhibition “Bernard Manciet, Au Pays de l'Esquive” until 1st september
After wintering at the Villa Béatrix-Enea, the contemporary art center in Anglet, the exhibi-tion Bernard Manciet, Au Pays de l’Esquive will set up shop in Sabres, the hometown. This sumptuous retrospective of more than 167 works – paintings, drawings, sketches – signed Bernard Manciet, will be visible from March 30 to September 1, 2024 at the Pavillon de l’Écomusée de Marquèze.
Daily events at Marquèze Ecomuseum
Every day, demonstrations, workshops and tours are offered for young and old, to learn a little more about the way of life in a Landes district in 1890.
Demonstrations of techniques show various aspects of the daily life of yesteryear: tour of the watermill, yoking the oxen, introduction to resin-tapping, meet the spinner, and more. During these demonstrations, mediators in period dress will recount and share the history, crafts and stories of these people, lost to the sands of time.
Marquèze also welcomes local partner associations all throughout the season, to present and demonstrate traditional, ancestral crafts. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy unforgettable encounters and discover Landes techniques, some which are still used nowadays.
No need to be jealous, there’s enough to delight everyone! Even for the littlies, Marquèze Ecomuseum has plenty to offer. Between discovery tools and interactive workshops, explore the Landes natural and cultural heritage in a way that’s both fun and active. From 6 months to 12 years old, there’s something for everyone: a multisensory “Baby Museum” trail for 6 months to 3-year-olds, Felix’s Workshops for 4 to 12-year-olds, booklets of games aimed at 3 to 6-year-olds and 7 to 12-year-olds, and more.
But any day you visit Marquèze, you can also stroll along the airial surrounded by Landes countryside, enter the houses and discover old-fashioned furniture and fittings, taste local treats like Pastis Landais straight out of the oven, discover exhibitions at the Pavilion, meet the animals (goats, cows, chickens, pigs and other furry or feathered friends) and simply enjoy a moment to unwind, where time stands still...
Our tips for a comfortable summer visit
While it may be nice to walk in the sunshine, here are a few tips for the high temperatures and summer crowds.
First tip: take your tour in the morning. This means you can avoid the hottest part of the day, while having time to enjoy the Marquèze village (tour estimated at 3-4 hours).
Then, we recommend organising your day well. The timetable of demonstrations of techniques is provided on the tour map when you arrive, or here. Furthermore, you can also purchase your tickets online, to avoid queueing at the ticket office.
Lastly, a shaded picnic area is available. Bringing your own sustenance means you can structure your day how you like, without having to wait in line. Bonus: lockers are available at the arrival station, to store your cooler while you take the tour, and there are multiple water fountains to refill your water bottles!
PS - our summer secret is to go and enjoy the exhibitions at the air-conditioned Pavilion! Not only are they educational and unmissable, but it also means you can avoid waiting for the train in the sun.
Practical information
Whether you’re visiting Marquèze for the first time, you love to be organized or you’re simply curious, here is everything you need to know to best plan your trip.
- Check out the prices
- Buy your tickets in advance online
- Plan your arrival by looking at the opening times and train timetable
- See the food & drink options in the Marquèze village
- Plan your trip
Now that you have all the keys to make the most of summer in Marquèze, enjoy your holidays and your trip!