Ecomuseums, tourism and the representation of rural France. (1st January 2011) - Davis, Peter
This article refers to the development of tourism in France and the varied nature of the country's rural landscapes. The origins and growth of the ecomuseum movement in France is briefly described. These museums, although initially designed to protect the material culture of French rural life and promote democratic involvement of local people with their heritage, are becoming increasingly geared towards promoting sustainable local development through low-level tourism. Although their representations of French rural life are somewhat problematical, ecomuseums do interpret the distinctiveness of particular cultural and semi-natural landscapes, giving visitors a more holistic 'sense of place'.