About
An exhibition at Espace culturel Pierre Fournel in Castelnau-le-Lez exploring the forgotten trade of ice and the heritage of the town's historic coolers, open as part of European Heritage Days 2026.
The coolers of Castelnau-le-Lez represent a discreet yet fragile piece of local heritage, bearing witness to the trade of ice that flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries before disappearing entirely.
The exhibition explores the technical knowledge of the era alongside broader themes: lifestyles, food practices, forms of sociability, social hierarchies, and the role of luxury and hospitality in historical society.
Visitors are invited to discover the story of this vanished trade and the men who practiced it in Castelnau-le-Lez.
The exhibition is open on Sunday 20 September 2026 from 10:00 to 18:00 as part of the European Heritage Days, and remains visible until 15 October 2026 at Espace culturel Pierre Fournel.