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Musée du Tire-Bouchon: A Corking Collection

Discover a world of corkscrews at Musée du Tire-Bouchon in Ménerbes, explore the Domaine de la Citadelle, and wander through enchanting botanical gardens in the heart of Luberon.

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The Musée du Tire-Bouchon, nestled within the Domaine de la Citadelle in Ménerbes, offers a quirky and fascinating glimpse into the world of corkscrews. Housing over 1,200 examples dating from the 17th century to the present day, the museum showcases the evolution of this essential tool from simple hand-forged instruments to ornate works of art crafted from gold, silver, and ivory. Beyond the corkscrews, visitors can explore the Domaine de la Citadelle, a working winery committed to organic practices, and wander through its enchanting botanical garden featuring aromatic, medicinal, and even carnivorous plants. A visit promises a delightful blend of history, viticulture, and botanical discovery in the heart of the Luberon.

A brief summary to Musée du Tire-Bouchon

  • Monday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a wine tasting at Domaine de la Citadelle to fully appreciate the region's viticultural heritage.
  • Explore the botanical garden for a sensory experience, discovering local flora and enjoying panoramic views.
  • Check the Domaine's website for seasonal events, such as harvest festivals or special wine-tasting sessions.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum, winery, and gardens.
  • Visit Ménerbes village, one of the most beautiful villages in France, while you're in the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Musée du Tire-Bouchon is located within the Domaine de la Citadelle, just outside Ménerbes. From Ménerbes, follow the D3 (Route de Cavaillon) for approximately 2 km. The Domaine de la Citadelle will be on your right, with ample free parking available for visitors.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't a direct bus stop at the Domaine, you can take a regional bus (Zou! number 17 or 18) to Ménerbes. From the bus stop in Ménerbes (Ecole Clovis Hugues), it's approximately a 25-30 minute walk (2 km) along the D3 (Route de Cavaillon) to the Domaine de la Citadelle. Consider a taxi from the village center for the final leg, costing approximately €15-€20.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From within Ménerbes, a taxi or ride-share to Domaine de la Citadelle will be the most convenient option. The ride is short, and the fare should be in the range of €15-€20. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Musée du Tire-Bouchon

The Musée du Tire-Bouchon, or Corkscrew Museum, is a captivating and unexpected gem located within the Domaine de la Citadelle, a renowned winery in the picturesque village of Ménerbes. This unique museum houses a collection of over 1,200 corkscrews, tracing the history and evolution of this humble tool from its earliest iterations to modern-day designs. The museum was founded in 1993 by Yves Rousset-Rouard, who stumbled upon a batch of 200 exceptional corkscrews at an auction in Paris. Captivated by these objects, he purchased them, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become the world's first museum dedicated to the corkscrew. Today, the collection has grown to include pieces from all over the world, dating from the 17th century to the present day. The corkscrews are displayed in 52 display cases, organized into six categories that showcase the diversity and ingenuity of corkscrew design. Visitors can admire early hand-forged steel corkscrews, ornate examples crafted from precious materials like gold, silver, and ivory, and innovative designs that reflect the changing times and technologies. Each corkscrew tells a story, offering a glimpse into the history of winemaking, design, and human innovation. Beyond its impressive collection of corkscrews, the Musée du Tire-Bouchon is also part of the Domaine de la Citadelle, a working winery committed to organic viticulture. Visitors can explore the winery's cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the estate's wines, which are known for their unique expression of the Luberon terroir. The Domaine has been committed to organic farming since 2016 and is HVE (High Environmental Value) certified. In addition to the museum and winery, the Domaine de la Citadelle also boasts a beautiful botanical garden. This garden features a diverse collection of aromatic, medicinal, and wild plants, as well as a truffle plantation. Visitors can wander through the garden's terraced landscapes, enjoying the sights and scents of Provence. The Domaine de la Citadelle offers guided tours with tasting for groups (in French and English) of the cellars and winery to learn all about the typicality of this terroir while tasting our different wines. Groups of 8 to 50 people, by reservation only. Possibility of parking for buses and campervans. Pets are welcome (kept on a leash by their owners). The Musée du Tire-Bouchon is open to the public and offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for something different to do, the museum is sure to delight and surprise. Visiting the Musée du Tire-Bouchon is more than just a museum visit; it's an immersion into the heart of Provence. The combination of history, viticulture, and natural beauty makes it a truly unforgettable experience. After exploring the museum, take some time to wander through the Domaine de la Citadelle's vineyards and botanical gardens. The views of the surrounding Luberon landscape are simply breathtaking, and the fresh air and sunshine will invigorate your senses. Consider visiting the Domaine de la Citadelle during the harvest season, which typically takes place in late summer or early autumn. This is a particularly exciting time to see the winery in action and learn about the winemaking process firsthand. You may even have the opportunity to participate in the harvest yourself! Don't forget to sample the Domaine de la Citadelle's wines. The estate produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines, all of which are made with organic grapes and a commitment to sustainable practices. The wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and expression of the Luberon terroir. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Domaine de la Citadelle's shop, where you can purchase wines, local products, and of course, corkscrews! This is a great place to find souvenirs of your visit and support the Domaine's commitment to sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation. The Musée du Tire-Bouchon and the Domaine de la Citadelle are located in Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Take some time to explore the village's charming streets, historic buildings, and stunning views. Ménerbes is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to spend a day or two. A visit to the Musée du Tire-Bouchon and the Domaine de la Citadelle is a must for anyone visiting the Luberon region of Provence. It's a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the history, culture, and natural beauty of this special place.

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