Preserving the Heart of the Plaine de l’Ain

Heritage, Culture, and Traditions

Welcome to Patrimoine, Culture et Traditions, where the history of the Plaine de l’Ain breathes again. Based in the historic hamlet of Marcillieux within the commune of Saint-Vulbas, our association (ID: W011002403) is dedicated to ensuring that the soul of our rural past is not lost to the march of time.

We are more than a collection of objects; we are the guardians of a lifestyle, a set of skills, and a community spirit that defined our territory long before the modern era.

Our Mission: Bringing History Back to Life

Our mission is clear and multifaceted: To safeguard the tangible and intangible heritage of the Plaine de l’Ain. At the core of our daily operations are four primary pillars of action:

1. Restoration & Preservation: We actively collect, repair, and maintain agricultural machinery dating from before 1965. By restoring these mechanical marvels, we preserve the ingenuity of our ancestors.

2. Curation of Daily Life: Beyond the fields, we preserve the “everyday.” Our collection includes furniture and common objects from the mid-20th century, offering a window into the domestic lives of those who built our region.

3. Historical Research: We serve as a living archive, conducting deep research into the traditions, folklore, and social history of our territory to ensure these stories are passed down accurately.

4. Cultural Development: We manage and operate the museum at the Hameau de Marcillieux, serving as a cultural beacon that promotes tourism and education across Saint-Vulbas and the entire Plaine de l’Ain.

Our Vision: A Bridge Between Generations

We envision a future where the youth of the Plaine de l’Ain can stand before a 1950s tractor or inside a traditional domestic setting and feel a profound connection to their roots.

Our vision is to transform the Hameau de Marcillieux into a premier cultural destination—a “living museum” where history isn’t just viewed behind glass, but experienced through the smell of oil and iron, the texture of hand-carved wood, and the sharing of oral histories. We strive to be the regional leader in heritage tourism, contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of our community.

Our Core Values

Our work is guided by three fundamental principles:

• Authenticity: We believe in “true” restoration. Whether it is a vintage plow or a kitchen sideboard, we honor the original craftsmanship and historical accuracy of every piece in our care.

• Transmission: Knowledge is only valuable if it is shared. We are committed to teaching the younger generation about the evolution of agriculture and the importance of our local traditions.

• Community Stewardship: We operate with a deep sense of responsibility toward the residents of Saint-Vulbas and the Plaine de l’Ain. We are the stewards of their history.

What We Do: The Museum at Marcillieux

The crown jewel of our association is the museum located in the picturesque Hameau de Marcillieux. This is where our mission takes physical form.

1. The Agricultural Collection (Pre-1965)

The year 1965 marked a turning point in agricultural technology. By focusing on the era preceding this shift, we showcase the transition from animal-drawn tools to early mechanization. Our volunteers spend countless hours bringing rusted engines back to a roar, ensuring that these machines remain functional “living” artifacts rather than static relics.

2. Domestic Life and “Arts et Traditions Populaires”

What did a kitchen look like in 1940? How did families gather before the digital age? Our collection of furniture and daily objects recreates the atmosphere of the past, providing a sensory experience of the domestic traditions that shaped our social fabric.

3. Research and Documentation

We don’t just collect objects; we collect stories. Our association conducts ongoing research into the customs, dialects, and social structures of the Plaine de l’Ain. This research informs our exhibitions and ensures that the museum serves as an educational resource for schools, historians, and tourists.

Why Our Work Matters

In an increasingly globalized world, local identity is easily diluted. Patrimoine, Culture et Traditions acts as an anchor. By preserving the tools that tilled our soil and the objects that filled our homes, we provide the community with a sense of place and continuity.

Furthermore, our activities support the Regional Cultural and Tourism Development. By attracting visitors to Saint-Vulbas, we help stimulate the local economy and highlight the beauty of the Plaine de l’Ain as a destination for “slow tourism” and historical discovery.

Transparency and Governance

We are a registered nonprofit organization (Association Loi 1901) committed to the highest standards of transparency and cultural management.

• Association ID: W011002403

• APE Code: 91.03Z (Management of historical sites and monuments and similar visitor attractions)

• Activity Sector: Archives, museums, and cultural heritage.

Our operations are fueled by the passion of our volunteers and the support of our partners. Every donation, membership fee, and museum ticket goes directly toward the acquisition of historical pieces and the maintenance of our facilities.