Violin and bow making have shaped Mirecourt for centuries, giving the town a distinctive connection to craftsmanship, music and history. Museums, historic buildings and a walking tour through the streets explore these themes from different perspectives.
Violin Making as a Way to Discover the Town
From the 17th century onwards, French traditions of violin and bow making were developed and passed down in Mirecourt. Violin makers and bow makers still practise these skills today. Young people learn the craft at the École Nationale de Lutherie. If you are specifically interested in the training or a professional insight, check in advance whether a visit is possible.
The Musée de Mirecourt presents the history and variety of its collection. Musical instruments are presented not only as sources of sound, but also as aesthetic, historical, technical and scientific objects. Audio commentary, music to listen to, videos, and objects that visitors can touch and handle complement the exhibition. Instruments to try out are also among the interpretation features on offer. A museum visit offers several ways to explore instrument making and the history of music.
Historic Buildings and Routes
The Halles de Mirecourt 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 also among the town’s finest medieval buildings. These landmarks add another facet of local history to the story of its craft traditions.
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 makers and bow makers, as well as historic small workshops and factories. The tour connects the history of the craft with places in the townscape. This is distinct from the larger network of walking trails in the Pays de Mirecourt area, which has more than 98 kilometres of signposted paths. The tour runs through Mirecourt; the network of more than 98 kilometres of signposted paths is in the Pays de Mirecourt area. Check the route information before setting out.
Music, Lace and Seasonal Events
The Maison de la Musique MĂ©canique displays rare barrel organs, pianos, pneumatic harmoniums, music boxes and a Decap dance organ. Visits are available only as guided tours. The focus is on the history of the Maison Poirot organ-building family across four generations. If you plan to visit, check the date in advance, as opening periods may change.
During the summer season, from June to September, the Mirecourt lace association exhibits at La Fabrique on the Madon from Tuesday to Sunday afternoons. This seasonal offering may influence your choice of travel dates; check the specific exhibition days against your planned stay. The 2026 summer programme also included the “Au marché du Mercredi” market on the first Wednesday of each month. Local producers, craftspeople and fresh produce come together there. If you are visiting at another time, check the relevant market day.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
Mirecourt can be reached by train via Charmes, Épinal or Neufchâteau, followed by a bus connection. Check the connections again before travelling. This makes it possible to consider your travel dates and cultural interests together, without needing to turn the individual sights into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierremont, Bruyères, La Chapelle-Aux-Bois, Contrexéville, Raon-L'étape, Sapois, Sauville, Thiéfosse
See the broader travel guide: Vosges.
