Then there is the Musee de la Biere...

It seems to be the case with museums that the more modest the institution, the greater the hype. Consequently the 'Beer Museum' on the edge of the old town claimed to be 'The European Museum of Beer'. This assertion might be disputed in Munich or Burton-upon-Trent! To be fair the curators of the Stenay museum did attempt to explain the history of beer making across the world in a few panels in the first room, but in fact most of the rest of the place centred on the development of the industry in the Lorraine region.

The building itself has an interesting history, It was constructed in the 16th century as a large communal grain warehouse within the town walls. This need for defence is interesting in itself, reflecting the insecurity of this border region which changed hands numerous times, including twice during the 20th Century. Buildings with a similar function - tithe barns - were built on the edges of villages in England, undefended, from the medieval period on-wards, underlying just how secure our borders have been over the centuries due to our 'sceptred isle' position.

The museum building was situated next to the old fortress within the town walls.

The towers at each end of the building were added in the 18th century when the store was converted to being a malt-house.

The museum houses a collection of antique plant and machinery associated with brewing. The nineteenth century copper vessels were very beautiful and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the foundry workers and engineers of the time.

A curveaceous heat exchanger.

mash tubs

These two vessels have something of the look of Jules Verne contraptions.

A nineteenth century automated bottle washer.

...and if one green bottle....

Beer O'clock!

The place, as you might expect, had an interesting collection of antique advertising posters -

what could be better than a quiet drink.....

This advert has gained iconic status as an example of 'Belle Epoque' design

many of the posters had an overtly nationalist theme

Patron Saint endorsed (but what's with the Nicola Sturgeon reference?)

Ooh la la....

This one has a lovely Art Decor geometric design.

Not all museums have a retail opportunity at the end  where you can purchase the exhibits...

then sample their delights outside in the sunshine.

The price of the museum admission was only 5 euros, and motorhomers staying at the aire get a bogof deal - the whole town is clearly making a real effort to attract tourists - sign of an active go-ahead Mairie I think. Good luck to them! We had a surprisingly pleasant couple of days in Stenay. This corner of France  proved to be unexpectedly attractive - somewhere else we have scurried through in years past on the way to southern climes..