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French oil museum
The oil museum at Merkwiller-Pechelbronn traces the 500 year history of oil in Northern Alsace. In fact, from the end of the Middle Ages, the locals were aware of the oily substance that was to be found in the ground. Extraction began in the first half of the 18th century and continued right up until 1970.
After viewing a video presentation, visitors to the museum are able to follow the stages of the extraction through the material, scale models and a wealth of pictures. A stratigraphic profile of a drilling site demonstrates its geological formation and the scale models explain how it was extracted: extraction wells, beam pumps, etc. The chemical work in the refinery is also described.
The museum also offers the opportunity to participate in a (guided) walking tour around the outdoor sites which still stand to this day.Lots of other options for exploring (indoors and/or outdoors), group tours (from 2 hours to full day).