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Museum · Saint-Hubert, Luxemburgo
Fourneau Saint-Michel
Estate about 8 km from Saint-Hubert, in a forest valley, with the abbey's old 1771 blast furnace and an open-air museum of Walloon rural houses brought from various places and reassembled on site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fourneau Saint-Michel
Fourneau Saint-Michel is located in a valley of the Masblette stream, in the middle of the Saint-Hubert forest, near the village of Awenne, about 8 km from the town. In 1771 Nicolas Spirlet, the last abbot of Saint-Hubert, set up a blast furnace and a forge there powered by the stream's water, among the most modern of their time.
After the expulsion of the monks at the end of the 18th century the furnace passed into other hands and ceased to operate. In the 20th century the site became a museum, with two parts: the iron and old metallurgy museum in the furnace buildings, and the open-air museum of Walloon rural life.
The open-air museum, created from 1970 onwards, covers more than 40 hectares and brings together houses, farms, workshops, a school and a chapel brought from various regions of southern Belgium and reassembled as small villages, with 19th-century interiors. Each building has panels explaining the architecture and trades.
The estate usually opens from spring to autumn, with restaurants and woodland paths around. Check dates and opening times beforehand.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2.5 to 4 hours for both museums.
Best time
From spring to autumn, on dry days, because much of the visit is outdoors.
How to get there
By car, via the road between Saint-Hubert and Forrières, in about 10 to 15 minutes, with parking on site.
Tip
Wear comfortable shoes: the open-air museum is large and has dirt paths between the villages.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fourneau Saint-Michel
What is at Fourneau Saint-Michel?
The former blast furnace dating from 1771, with the iron museum, and an open-air museum of rural houses from Valônia rebuilt on site.
How much time should you allow?
About 2½ to 4 hours for both museums.
Is the site open year-round?
No. It usually opens from spring to autumn. Check in advance.