MAISON DE LA MARIÉE

On the island of Fédrun, this little thatched cottage immerses you in the world of 19th-century weddings and the first decades of the 20th century. Discover the wax flower workshops of Saint-Joachim and the surprising and magnificent wedding globes.

Guided tours of the museum are back on! Monday to Friday at 11am and 3pm!
Tours are free of charge and must be booked in advance at our Maison de Parc in Fedrun on 02 40 91 68 68 or online at the park's website: www.parc-naturel-briere.com.

In the 19th century, bridal wreaths became fashionable in a way that was anything but short-lived: orange blossoms, symbols of innocence and virginity, made from wax, replaced natural flowers. Workshops were set up all over France, including in Saint-Joachim, in the heart of the Brière region. The first Brière workshop dates back to the early 1890s. In 1906, no fewer than 138 workers were making and assembling wax flowers in Saint-Joachim. But even a long-lasting fad eventually gave way to something new: from the 1930s onwards, activity declined, small workshops closed down, and by the 1950s there were no longer any orange blossom wax factories in the Brière region... The Maison de la Mariée tells this unsuspected story, through objects, photos, filmed accounts, wreaths and bridal bouquets, some of which date back to the end of the 19th century.

The museum also features a unique collection of bridal globes. Given at the time of the wedding, initially intended to preserve and protect the bride's crown, these glass globes have become veritable showcases for family mementos. A medal, a holy image, the eldest child's first 'bon point', the groom's tie or a pair of delicate ballroom gloves are all placed inside.

Neither the globes nor the orange blossom wreaths survived the 1920s and 30s. The purchase by the Brière Regional Nature Park of the collection built up by Lucie Godin (1911-1998) has enabled the collection to be preserved and presented to the public.

Discover the treasures of the Ile de Fédrun! Here you can learn about the character of the area and its inhabitants, discover traditional Briéron interiors and marvel at the wreaths worn by young women on their wedding day! The tour includes visits to the two facilities, La Chaumière Briéronne and La Maison de la Mariée. Free admission.

Tours depart from the Maison du Parc de Fédrun every Monday to Thursday at 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, and every Sunday morning at 11 am.