Located in Musée de Pontarlier, the museum preserves and showcases the history of Pontarlier and its surrounding region through collections dedicated to archaeology, art, local traditions and industrial heritage.

A key destination for understanding the history of absinthe in France, the museum houses one of the country's most important absinthe collections. Posters, advertising materials, stills, glasses, absinthe spoons and historical documents tell the story of absinthe’s rise, prohibition and lasting influence on the identity of the Haut-Doubs region.

Throughout the year, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions exploring local history, regional heritage and the world of absinthe.

Style: History, heritage and absinthe culture.

Opening Hours

Regular season

Daily: 14:00–18:00

Closed on Tuesdays

School holiday periods

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10:00–12:00 / 14:00–18:00

Saturday and Sunday: 14:00–18:00

Closed on Tuesdays

Annual Closures

January 1st and 2nd

May 1st

November 1st

December 25th

Highlights

Permanent collections on the history of Pontarlier

Major absinthe heritage collection

Temporary exhibitions

Historical posters, artefacts and archives

Discover Pontarlier’s role in the history of the Green Fairy