Lalique & Saint Louis Crystal Museums from Strasbourg

Visit the Lalique Museum

 Arrive in Wingen sur Moder where the Lalique Museum is located adjacent to the Hochberg Glassworks original glass and crystal factory. The collection is home to more than 650 works from René Lalique and his successors including Art Nouveau jewellery, Art Deco glass and contemporary crystal. René Lalique actually began as Jeweler and rapidly became known as the inventor of Modern Jewellery. 

 Certainly one of the highlights of the exhibition are the more than 250 perfume bottles and powder boxes that are on display. René Lalique designed a number of perfume bottles for renowned perfumers of the time including Molinard, d'Orsay or Roger&Gallet. 

 Lunch at Villa Lalique (optional)

 After your visit of the Lalique Museum, why not treat yourself to a culinary delight at 2* Michelin restaurant Villa Lalique. In a stunning dining room designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, Chef Paul Stradner delights his guests with a simple but very creative cuisine that highlights local producers and products.

 Visit Saint Louis Crystal Factory

 Established in 1586, the Muntzthal glass factory becomes a "Royal Glass Factory" in 1767 under the reign of Louis XV and becomes the Saint Louis Glass Factory. By 1829, the "Cristallerie Saint Louis", as it know then, only produces crystal ware and becomes famous for its sets of glasses including the Trianon model. Through time, the collection and crystal work of the factory will evolve and pieces now include table services, vases, chandeliers, candelabrums and many more. 

 Upon arrival, let yourself be guided through the Saint Louis Manufacture. Departing from the La Grande Place museum, the guided tour of the factory lets you rub shoulders with Saint-Louis craftsmen, who are among the best workers in France. As you pass through the so-called “hot” and “cold” workshops, you can contemplate the glassmakers who shape the molten crystal, and the cutters, engravers and decorators who sublimate the objects. You will also have access to the chandelier assembly workshop and the crystal paperweight workshop, of which Saint-Louis is the only contemporary creator of two annual collections. 

 After your visit, why not shop for some exceptional crystal ware at the neighboring Comptoire de la Manufacture. Then, it will be time for us to make our way back to Strasbourg.