Construction of public school fin XIXe siècle (≈ 1995)
Building housing the museum today.
1995
Museum installation
Museum installation 1995 (≈ 1995)
Work begins in the old school.
14 juin 1998
Official Inauguration
Official Inauguration 14 juin 1998 (≈ 1998)
Festive opening with inhabitants in costumes.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Lisette - Symbolic fictional character
Child of the country, inspiring collections.
Origin and history
Les Trésors de Lisette is a private museum located in the village of Archingeay, Charente-Maritime, within the former public school built in the late 19th century. This museum, entirely financed by private funds, is part of an effort to enhance the local heritage and the daily life of the Belle Époque. It is similar to other museums in the department, such as those of Rochefort or La Rochelle, by staging private collections to recreate the atmosphere of the early twentieth century.
The museum was inaugurated on 14 June 1998 after three years of work, in a festive atmosphere where the inhabitants of Archingeay were invited in period costumes. He was born from the initiative of passionate collectors, wishing to share their passion for everyday objects of the 1900s. Today, it is recognized as a key element of local tourism, integrated into prestigious guides such as the Guide du Routard or the Michelin Green Guide, and is one of the 29 remarkable sites of the Route Historique des Trésors de Saintonge et d'Aunis.
The museum's collections are structured around twelve scenes illustrating the life of a family at the Belle Époque, with various objects: antique toys, costumes, miniatures, enamelled coffee makers and advertising boxes. The course, both educational and fun, offers visiting games and guesses to attract young and old. A window is even dedicated to the home of Lisette, an iconic fictional figure of the museum, a child of the country who lived in Saint-Savinien.
Open all year round with varying times depending on the season, the museum welcomes visitors in July, August and September from 3pm to 7pm, and by reservation for groups. Prices are available (7€ for adults, 5€ for children and groups), and guided tours are available in French, English, German and Spanish. Despite its lack of public subsidies, the museum was able to establish itself as a cultural and tourist reference in Charente-Maritime.
The site also has a souvenir shop and picnic areas, outdoors or under shelter. Although he does not accept credit cards, his popularity continues to grow, reinforced by press articles and television reports. He actively participates in the tourism dynamics of the canton of Saint-Jean-d'Angely and the Commune of the Communes of the Vals de Saintonge.
