Rural immersion in the greater region
The IRGR project brings together « Les Vieux Métiers » (Village of Ancient Crafts) in Azannes (France) and « Le Fourneau Saint Michel » (Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel) in Belgium to preserve the rural heritage of the Region. Their collaboration offers a unique rural immersion into the life of the past through accommodations, scenography, workshops, and events.
Le fourneau saint michel
Les Vieux Métiers
LES vieux métiers
Rural Immersion in the greater region
The rural immersion Village « Les Vieux Métiers » (The Ancient Crafts) in Azannes
In the Village of Les Vieux Métiers (The Ancient Crafts) in Azannes, time has stood still since the 19th century. Lace makers, blacksmiths, bakers, roof tile makers, milliners, washerwomen… 400 volunteers wear period costumes to recreate the daily life of a rural village from the past and bring nearly 80 ancient or forgotten trades back to life.
A true page of living history to discover in May and July
Tradition, craftsmanship, and conviviality: these are the hallmarks of this one-of-a-kind festival. Created 40 years ago, the Village of Les Vieux Métiers in Azannes, located near the gates of Verdun, is a unique open-air museum in continuous construction.
Dates: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 29 / June 1 / July 13, 20, 27, 2025
Free entry for under 16s
Fourneau saint michel
Rural Immersion in the greater region
The Provincial Domain of « Fourneau Saint-Michel » (Saint Michel’s Furnace)
Located in Belgium, the Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel (Saint Michel’s Furnace) covers over 40 hectares and consists of two areas: the Museum of Rural Life in Wallonia and the Iron Museum.
The Museum of Rural Life in Wallonia features authentic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as houses, workshops, a school, a chapel, and bread ovens, offering a rural immersion experience into the daily life and skills of the past.
The Iron Museum showcases pre-industrial ironworking around an 18th-century blast furnace, with a playful children’s trail guided by Nicolas, the apprentice foundryman.
For a tasty break, the Auberge du Prévost and the Bar Al Pèle offer local specialties.
This unique site is a true journey into the past, perfect for both young and old. Immerse yourself in rural life of bygone days and discover an exceptional heritage in a beautifully preserved natural setting.
Access to the sites
Rural Immersion in the Greater Region
The Village of « Les Vieux Métiers » (The Ancient Crafts) in Azannes is located 20 minutes from Verdun, in the Meuse department (France), and is easily accessible by car, with free parking available nearby.
Directions
The Provincial Domain of « Fourneau Saint-Michel » (Saint Michel’s Furnace) is located in Belgium, in the municipality of Saint-Hubert (Province of Luxembourg), in the heart of the forest.
Directions
Both sites are signposted and accessible via main road routes.
Relive Rural History
Rural Immersion in the Greater Region
This project aims to revive a strong, modern, human rural identity, open to all residents and tourists of the Greater Region, to preserve the rural past of our shared history.
The creation of an immersive cross-border tourism offer on the rural heritage of the Greater Region through two existing sites
The development of common products and their promotion
The enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage through features such as immersive accommodations and scenography, period games, workshops on traditional crafts, and festive events reminiscent of celebrations of the past…
This work will take place at two sites: at « Les Vieux Métiers » (The Ancient Crafts) in Azannes (France), with the creation of immersive accommodations within the eco-museum, and at the Museum of Rural Life in Wallonia (Belgium), at the Provincial Domain of « Fourneau Saint-Michel » (Saint Michel’s Furnace), with a more dynamic scenography. In this way, visitors will experience a rural immersion into the life of the past and enjoy something truly unique.
Gallery
Rural Immersion in the Greater Region
- All
- Fourneau Saint michel
- Les Vieux Métiers
Our partners
Rural Immersion in the Greater Region
Frequently Asked Questions
Find here the answers to the most common questions to help you prepare for your visit and enjoy a true rural immersion experience.
What are the opening hours of the sites ?
The opening hours vary depending on the seasons and events. Please check our dedicated page or contact us for detailed hours.
Are the sites accessible to people with reduced mobility ?
Yes, both sites have been adapted to accommodate people with reduced mobility, although some areas may have constraints due to the natural terrain.
Are the visits guided ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: Guided tours are available in French and Dutch. The site can also be visited freely without a guide. In both cases, prior reservation is required by phone or email at least 2 weeks in advance.
Les Vieux Métiers: Both self-guided and guided tours are offered. Guided tours must be booked in advance and are available.
Can tickets be purchased online ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: Online ticket sales are not available.
Les Vieux Métiers: Tickets can be purchased on the Les Vieux Métiers website.
Are animals allowed on the sites ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: Dogs are allowed on the Museum of Rural Life site, but only on a leash.
Les Vieux Métiers: Dogs on a leash are allowed on the premises.
Are there dining options on site ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: The Auberge du Prévot and the Bar Al Pèle offer regional dishes. We recommend checking their opening hours and possibly making a reservation before your visit. Picnic areas are also available on the Museum of Rural Life site in Wallonia.
Les Vieux Métiers: Various dining options are available on site. It is also possible to picnic on the premises.
Can I organize a private or school event ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: You can book a guided tour and activity for your class. For any other event, a request must be submitted to the management at least one month in advance and will be assessed for compatibility with the site’s rural immersion setting.
Les Vieux Métiers: Event organization is possible on site (venue rental for 250 to 300 people, etc.), offering a unique rural immersion experience.
What payment methods do you accept ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: Payments can be made in cash or by electronic payment (Bancontact). Groups can pay for their visit by bank transfer based on an invoice.
Les Vieux Métiers: All payment methods are accepted.
Are there accommodations on site ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: The site does not offer accommodations.
Les Vieux Métiers: Accommodations will be available starting in March 2026 (reservations open in December 2025).
How can I get to the sites ?
Provincial Domain of Fourneau Saint-Michel: The site is located in the municipality of Saint-Hubert (Province of Luxembourg, Belgium) and is only accessible by road. There is no nearby bus stop. On-site, there are three large free parking areas, including one located near the entrance of the Museum of Rural Life in Wallonia.
Les Vieux Métiers:
- 2 hours from Paris (via TGV Est)
- 1 hour from Metz
- 40 minutes from the Belgian and Luxembourg borders
- 30 minutes from Verdun
Detailed directions can be found in the "Access to the sites" section.