The Maison de l’Absinthe, in Môtiers in the Val-de-Travers, traces the history of the Green Fairy in the former district courthouse. Founded in 2014 by local tourism stakeholders, it offers an interactive exhibition and a tasting bar.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- Interactive exhibition on three levels tracing 15 centuries of absinthe history
- Former courthouse where clandestine distillers were sentenced during prohibition
- Tasting bar with over 25 artisanal absinthes served according to the traditional ritual
Overview
The Maison de l’Absinthe opened in 2014 on the initiative of tourism stakeholders in the Val-de-Travers. It occupies the former district courthouse, where many clandestine distillers were sentenced during prohibition, from 1910 until 1 March 2005.
The museum explores absinthe through art, science and physics. It follows its history from the plant’s medicinal uses in Antiquity to the invention of the drink, its production and its role in the local economy.
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What to see and do
The permanent exhibition covers 750 m² on three levels. The interactive design combines images, sound, lighting and technology. The visit begins on the second floor with a film about the bond between the Val-de-Travers and the Green Fairy.
The themes that follow include the spirit’s golden age in the 19th century, when people from every social class drank it, the scandals that led to its ban in 1910, smuggling and clandestine production, legalisation in 2005 and the many variations of the drink around the world. One section covers the science and physics of absinthe.
The tour ends at the bar, where you can taste absinthe following the ritual of the green hour. More than 25 artisanal absinthes are available, along with absinthe-based treats such as soufflé.
Practical information
Getting there : by train from Neuchâtel towards Buttes, alighting at Môtiers. The Maison is on the Grand-Rue, the village’s main street.
Visit duration : allow 1 to 1.5 hours, longer with the tasting.
On site : audio guide, tasting bar and shop with bottles, merchandise and unusual items.
Visitor tips
Choose the option that includes a tasting to discover the ritual of preparing absinthe. Staff are happy to answer questions about the different absinthes and how they are made.
The Maison is a stop on the Absinthe Gourmet Trail, which links Noiraigue to Pontarlier.
Nearby
- The Môtiers Waterfall tumbles down a rock face surrounded by greenery, near the village centre.
- The Asphalt Mines at the La Presta site can be explored wearing a helmet and carrying a lamp.
- The Volkswrecks VW Museum in St-Sulpice is devoted to the Beetle and the world of Volkswagen.
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