From the archives

What are the origins of pastis?

Before pastis, there were the plants. Discover the Pernod exhibition, the botanical garden, the tastings and the Felco botanical box at the Maison de l'Absinthe.

Alexander Küttel

What are the origins of pastis?

Long before pastis, there was absinthe, anise, fennel and generations of craft. Through posters, historical objects, period documents and remarkable stories, the exhibition Pernod – The Birth of the Apéritif retraces the evolution of the anise-based drinks that shaped European history.

BEFORE PASTIS, THERE WERE THE PLANTS AND ABSINTHE

Visit the temporary exhibition Pernod – The Birth of the Apéritif at the Maison de l'Absinthe and step into the remarkable history of the aromatic plants that gave rise to the great anise apéritifs.

A cultural and botanical experience like no other, weaving together heritage, nature, discovery through the senses, and craft.

From 29 May 2026 to 7 March 2027

BEFORE THE GLOBAL BRAND, THERE WAS A MAN

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Henri-Louis Pernod was born in Le Locle. From that birth an extraordinary adventure would emerge: that of a visionary entrepreneur who turned a remedy into a pleasure, and then a pleasure into a way of life.

Through original objects, historical documents, a portrait film, an animated map and thirteen bilingual panels, the exhibition retraces the founding of Pernod Fils at Pontarlier in 1805 and the rise of a distillery that would leave a lasting mark on the history of the apéritif.

A story of passion, daring and resilience, rooted in the Val-de-Travers.

The temporary exhibition "Pernod – The Birth of the Apéritif" is included in the Maison de l'Absinthe entrance ticket.

Your ticket gives you access to:

Pernod : Naissance de l'apéritif
  • The temporary exhibition "Pernod – The Birth of the Apéritif"
  • The permanent collections of the Maison de l'Absinthe
  • The botanical garden on the terrace
  • The spaces devoted to the heritage of absinthe

Pernod: The Birth of the Apéritif

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS: THE PLANTS

Before they were drinks, they were plants.

On the terrace of the Maison de l'Absinthe, discover the aromatic species that shaped the history of absinthe and of the great anise apéritifs.

Walk through a living garden where you will find, among others:

  • Grande absinthe
  • Petite absinthe
  • Fennel
  • Hyssop
  • Lemon balm
  • Mint

A botanical walk that makes sense of where the aromas come from, how the plants were traditionally used, and the craft passed down across generations.

Jardin Botanique de la Maison de l'Absinthe

Botanical garden of the Maison de l'Absinthe

TASTINGS AT THE MAISON DE L'ABSINTHE: UNDERSTANDING THROUGH THE SENSES

Extend your visit with a guided discovery tasting.

At the Maison de l'Absinthe you can taste more than 32 different absinthes from 12 distillers — celebrated names, small producers, and the traditional houses of the Val-de-Travers.

Learn to recognise the aromatic plants that make up the traditional recipes, and discover how they shape the aromatic profiles of anise-based drinks.

  • Discovering the plants and their aromas
  • A historical and cultural approach
  • An account of how these drinks are made
  • A tasting guided by our team

An unexpected way to connect the history, the botany and the living heritage of the Val-de-Travers.

Dégustation d'absinthes à la Maison de l'Absinthe

Absinthe tasting at the Maison de l'Absinthe. More than 15 absinthes to taste

FELCO x MAISON DE L'ABSINTHE: THE BOTANICAL BOX

After your visit, carry on discovering the plants that define the world of absinthe with the botanical box developed together with Felco.

Made for the curious, for gardeners and for anyone drawn to heritage, the box invites you to grow and observe the plants that shaped the history of the great anise apéritifs.

Coffret Botanique Felco x Maison de l'Absinthe
  • An exclusive botanical selection
  • Growing advice
  • A Felco × Maison de l'Absinthe collaboration
  • An experience to live at home

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY ONLINE

Books, posters, keepsakes, accessories, exclusive products and limited editions: a selection drawn from the history of absinthe and the heritage of the Val-de-Travers.

Whether you have already visited the Maison de l'Absinthe or are planning your first visit, our online shop lets you carry the experience with you, wherever you are.