Discover Mirecourt

French traditions of violin and bow making took shape and were passed down in Mirecourt from the 17th century onward. Violin makers and bow makers still practice these skills here today, and young people learn their craft at the École Nationale de Lutherie. Mirecourt therefore offers both a long history of craftsmanship and a living tradition of training. If training at the École Nationale de Lutherie is a key factor in planning your trip, check the current course offerings in advance.

Experience instruments from different perspectives

The Musée de Mirecourt presents the history and diversity of its collection. It explores musical instruments as musical and aesthetic objects, as well as historical, technical or scientific artefacts. Exhibits include audio commentary, music to listen to and videos, as well as objects that can be touched and handled, and instruments that visitors can try out. The museum thus offers a range of ways to engage with instruments: through their sound, design and handling, as well as their history and technology.

The Maison de la Musique Mécanique focuses on a different subject. On display are rare mechanical organs, pianos, pneumatic harmoniums, music boxes and a Decap dance organ. The venue offers guided tours only, exploring the history of the Maison Poirot family of organ builders across four generations. Opening periods may change, so check the dates before your visit.

Craftsmanship and architectural history in the cityscape

The market halls also tell the story of Mirecourt: they were built between 1614 and 1618 by Jean de la Hire, architect to the Duke of Lorraine. The 11th- and 15th-century Chapelle de la Oultre and the Église Notre-Dame are among the city’s finest medieval buildings. Together, these places offer a way to explore Mirecourt’s history alongside its instrument-making tradition.

Explore Mirecourt and the surrounding area on foot

The Sentier des luthiers is a historic walking tour through the streets and lanes of Mirecourt. Along the way, you can discover former homes of violin and bow makers, as well as historic small workshops and factories. The route connects the history of instrument making with places associated with it. Check the route information before setting out.

The Pays de Mirecourt has more than 98 kilometres of signposted hiking trails. This figure refers to the Pays area; individual routes may change. If you are planning a particular hike, check its current description. This makes it easy to distinguish the historic walking tour through the city from the wider choice of trails in the Pays de Mirecourt.

Plan for seasonal activities and travel

During the summer season, from June to September, the Mirecourt lace association exhibits at La Fabrique on the Madon, Tuesday to Sunday afternoons. This is a seasonal offering; dates and arrangements may vary. Check the current exhibition days before your visit.

Mirecourt can be reached by train via Charmes, Épinal or Neufchâteau, followed by a bus journey. Check connections again before you travel. When looking for a hotel in Mirecourt, you can tailor your stay to the city’s cultural highlights: violin making, instrument collections or historic buildings. If you plan to attend a seasonal event, factor its dates into your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Granges-Sur-Vologne, Les Voivres, Lamarche, Claudon, Senones, Pouxeux, Gérardmer, Gironcourt-Sur-Vraine.

For the broader travel overview: Vosges.