The Mas Daudet, a museum dedicated to Alphonse Daudet
South of Ruoms, a preserved farmhouse that belonged to the family of the writer Alphonse Daudet immerses visitors in 19th century farming life. A museum and a park particularly adapted to children, to be visited during your camping holidays in Ardèche.
Stroll in the park of Mas Daudet
Surrounding the Mas Daudet, the park allows you to enjoy the nature of the Ardèche. Following the discovery path, you will cross the estate where explanations are scattered on the agricultural life at the time of the author such as the work of the earth and the storage of water. You will pass through the vineyard, the olive grove, the mulberry grove and a fig garden. The path leads to Labeaume and a lookout point over the gorge. While walking you will have the opportunity to follow a trail game for children called Randoland. You can take a picnic with you on your visit to Mas Daudet as there is a shaded picnic area in the park. You can also buy something to quench your thirst at the park’s refreshment stand. You can even relax in a giant hammock!
Visit to the Daudet Museum
The museum is located in an authentic 19th century farmhouse which is well worth a visit: it is a journey back in time that you make when you cross the threshold. On arrival, you can choose between a self-guided or a guided tour. Guided tours are highly recommended and take place at fixed times each day. The first part of the museum is dedicated to agricultural life in the 19th century: bread making, metal working, alcohol distillation, olive and chestnut cultivation, and the silkworm farm, an activity practised by Alphonse Daudet’s family. The third part of the museum, in the bourgeois salons, is devoted to the life of Alphonse Daudet. Here you can immerse yourself in the intimacy of the author of “Lettres de mon moulin” with numerous objects and personal letters. A shop offers several local products, silk products and books by Alphonse Daudet. You can take home a nice souvenir of your visit. If you are a cyclist, stop by the museum. There is information on cycling routes in the area and a bicycle storage area with a first aid kit. There are cultural events throughout the year, including murder parties every Monday evening during the summer. The full list is available on the mas website.
