The Salles-la-Source Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts, in Aveyron, 13 km north of Rodez, was founded in 1978. It was housed in a former woolen mill and country cloth factory.
The very architecture of this 19th century building is not lacking in interest with its masonry in limestone tuff, its stone and wood columns, and its astonishing boat hull frame.
Belonging to the Departmental Council, the establishment presents collections making it possible to understand the heart of the old spinning mill, but also old trades and crafts...
The collections are presented on four levels. The ground floor houses old machines using the energy of water and wind: presses, flour and oil mills, swifts. The first floor is dedicated to arts and crafts related to the mineral world (stone, terracotta, copper, water, fire). The second floor is devoted to man's relationship with his plant environment (agriculture, woodworking trades) and finally, on the top floor, occupations related to the animal world (fishing, hunting, breeding, wool, manufacturing of wood) are presented. Roquefort, leather trades…).
Note that other rooms present the spinning itself and also reconstitute a winegrower's cellar.
Workshops, exhibitions and educational activities are offered throughout the year. Open every day in July-August. Closed on Tuesday in September and open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday in October. Free admission. Information on +33 5 65 67 28 96.
