Purchase by the municipality 1972 (≈ 1972)
The Pandelle acquired by Soustons.
1975
Heritage Registration
Heritage Registration 1975 (≈ 1975)
Site classified picturesque (Landes).
1984-1997
Housing of the gendarmerie
Housing of the gendarmerie 1984-1997 (≈ 1991)
Protection of François Mitterrand in Latche.
1999
Opening of the museum
Opening of the museum 1999 (≈ 1999)
Opening with 800 old tools.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Gérard Séprit - Private collector
Provides 800 tools in 1999.
François Mitterrand - Former President
Protected by gendarmerie on site.
Origin and history
The Museum of Traditions and Old Tools, also known as the Museum of La Pandelle, is housed in a Second Empire building in Soustons (Landes). Originally owned by a local wealthy family, this place was acquired by the municipality in 1972. Originally intended to host the town hall, the project was abandoned before hosting a gendarmerie squadron between 1984 and 1997 to protect former President François Mitterrand during his stay in Latche.
The museum vocation of the site began in 1999 with the inauguration of the museum, centered on a private collection of 800 old tools donated by Gérard Séprit. Complete with donations, the collection now has 950 exhibits, organized by themes: agricultural work, handicrafts, and gemage (resin harvest). The entrance presents the most impressive tools, while three rooms detail the traditional Dutch trades.
The building, which has been on the list of picturesque sites in the Landes since 1975, illustrates the heritage evolution of the territory. Its history also reflects the successive adaptations of the place, from a private residence to a space dedicated to the memory of local know-how. The museum showcases restored objects to transmit these heritages to future generations.
