The museum celebrates the 'Ente' plum, a variety exclusively used for producing the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Pruneau d'Agen.
The onsite 'Conservatoire du Pruneau' maintains a collection of plum tree varieties from around the world.
Traditional prune drying historically occurred in 'fourneaux,' specialized chimney kilns, several of which are preserved onsite.
The prune industry in this region dates back to the 13th century, influenced by returning Crusaders who brought plum varieties from Damascus.
The Farm and Pruneau Museum is a specialized agricultural museum located in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne department, a region historically central to French prune production. It highlights the transformation of the 'Ente' plum into the 'Pruneau d'Agen' through traditional drying methods. Visitors explore the evolution of harvesting machinery, ranging from early manual tools to modern mechanized equipment. The museum is housed on a working farm, allowing for direct observation of orchards. Educational exhibits detail the botanical characteristics of the plum and the chemical process of dehydration. Interactive displays show the historical socio-economic impact of the prune industry on the local rural landscape.
The restored historic plum-drying kilns located in the outdoor exhibition area.
Taste the variety of prune-based products, including chocolate-covered prunes and prune liqueur, at the onsite boutique.
Take time to walk through the adjacent orchards to see the fruit trees in their natural growing environment.
Check the museum website for seasonal harvesting demonstrations if visiting during late summer.
Do not visit expecting a standard urban museum; this is an outdoor-oriented rural farm facility requiring comfortable footwear for uneven orchard ground.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during winter months.
