Château des Bruneaux, Historical castle in Firminy, France
Château des Bruneaux is a castle in Firminy with multiple display spaces showing local crafts and daily life across different periods. Inside you will find a recreated apartment from 1900, rooms dedicated to traditional baking, and workshops that show how nails were once made.
The castle first appeared in written records during 1420 and underwent major changes in the 18th century when the Anselmet family rebuilt it. They transformed it into a grand residence following the style of their era.
The collections here display traditional toys and Gégé dolls that reflect how children played in this region. These objects show the local customs and everyday life of past generations.
The castle is easy to find in Firminy and the exhibition spaces are clearly marked for visitors to navigate. It is best to allow enough time to see all the rooms and workshops without rushing through.
Beneath the castle is an underground coal mine exhibit created by former miners that shows how coal was extracted in the Ondaine Valley. Former workers built this hidden display between 1982 and 1989 as a record of their profession.
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