Mechanical ingenuity through the ages
An oil lamp, coffee grinder, old trunk turned toybox… it’s not unusual for vintage items to become home accessories. They may bring back family memories but many antique hunters are on the lookout for retro gems: vintage is all the rage! Maurice Dufresne was way ahead of the trend: this amazing museum in Azay-le-Rideau is jam-packed with 3000 machines and items dating from 1850 to 1950.
A life’s work
Maurice Dufresne was born in 1930, became a journeyman, travelled all over France then settled in a blacksmith’s shop in 1953. At the same time he built a salvage business, buying and selling a variety of second-hand items. But his passion for mechanical innovations from the past few decades meant he soon began collecting and restoring beautiful machines which were heading for scrap.
Looms, tractors, agricultural engines, cars, lorries, planes, fire pumps and more stored in a former Marnay mill on the banks of the Indre. This huge and diverse collection was unveiled to visitors in 1992 when the Maurice Dufresne Museum opened.
Loom hall
Leafy park
A few decades ago...
Maurice Dufresne Museum tour
Penny-farthing
Great mobile still
Beautiful engineering!
The Maurice Dufresne Museum: an experience like no other
Visitors may flock from all over the world to visit the Loire châteaux in Touraine but this incredible collection pulls us out of the Middle Ages and Renaissance to propel us towards man’s creative genius during the Industrial Revolution.
The steam engine then petrol opened the doors to countless innovations. The pieces on show are an intrinsic part of our history. Two examples:
- A Blériot XI aircraft similar to the one Louis Blériot flew when he crossed the Channel in 1909. This type of model was also used for reconnaissance during the First World War and the Battle of the Marne. Let’s remember that when two enemy aircrafts came face to face back then, they shot each other with revolvers or guns. Epic!
- A Buick (32 HP) that Maurice Dufresne bought off the captain of the US military base in Chinon when it was evacuated in the 60s. General de Gaulle wanted France to regain its military independence. That meant the Americans had to give up countless belongings due to expensive reshipping costs.
Blériot XI aircraft
Maurice Dufresne's Buick
With the grounds and mill buildings, set aside at least 2 hours to explore this incredible collection which also includes motorbikes, penny-farthings, weapons, posters and even… the lights that illuminated the Palais de l’Elysée until 1974.
Useful information
Have lunch before or after your tour at the on-site Chez Jeannot restaurant. Relax on the terrace and enjoy the leafy setting when the sun’s out.
The museum is on the Cyclo Bohème path and 4km from the La Loire à Vélo bike path.
Nearby accommodation: Loire et châteaux campsite, La Cabane du Verger, Troglododo Hotel…