Museums, Tours

Housed in three magnificent half-timbered houses, near the cathedral, this is a charming museum of ethnography and local history (ceramics, furniture, illustrations). https://www.lemans-tourisme.com/en/partenaire/view/id/2905/category/18

The Donjon de Gouzon houses a space of Industrial Archeology on 4 levels. This dungeon of the twelfth century. and thirteenth century, restored houses a museum space on four levels. The vertical movement is ensured by an elevator (public commission of the Delegation to the Visual Arts), work of the architect designer Sylvain Dubuisson. http://uk.poitiers-tourism.com/espace-d-archeologie-industrielle-du-donjon-de-gouzon-a-chauvigny/chauvigny/tabid/29114/offreid/da3eed0d-9a89-476f-b401-069943cf12e5/detail.aspx

Commonly known as the House of the Pilori, the only wooden house in Vienna built in the 15th century supports one of the oldest Viennese façades. http://www.monweekendavienne.com/culture/sites-et-monuments/maison-du-pilori#.WkoOn1T1XLY

Museum of fine arts in Nantes was founded in the early nineteenth century and has since been considered one of the largest and best museums in France, outside Paris. Since 1804, this Museum houses a unique collection of sculptures and paintings that were created from the XII century to the beginning of XX century. http://worldtourisminfo.com/france/2775-Fine-arts-Museum-of-Nantes-photo-description-Musee-des-BeauxArts-de-Nantes.html

In the heart of the medieval quarter, the Château des ducs de Bretagne welcomes the Nantes Museum of History, whose scenography offers a walking tour punctuated with 1 150 objects as well as interactive multimedia displays that are aesthetic, fun, and educational. https://www.nantes-tourisme.com/en/heritage/chateau-des-ducs-de-bretagne-musee-d-histoire-de-nantes

This large 18th-century-style building, designed by the Brousseau brothers, used to be the town's Bishop palace. The building was also used as a fire station as well as a hospital. It was restored from the 1802 concordat, onwards into the 19th century: http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en/What-to-see/Museums/(fiche)/the-fine-arts-museum-of-limoges-191000095-6f06ebf

An eventful history than the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, located in the magnificent forest of the same name! Royal residence for several centuries since Saint-Louis, birthplace of several sovereigns, one of the most important castles of Ile-de-France now houses the National Archeology Museum. http://be.france.fr/fr/a-decouvrir/musee-archeologie-nationale-chateau-saint-germain-laye

More than 300 automated models of famous people, historic scenes of life in La Rochelle and animated display cases to enchant both old and young visitors alike. . Your visit will also take you to a reconstruction of Montmartre with its 1900s atmosphere with artists, musicians http://www.holidays-la-rochelle.co.uk/what-to-see-and-do/discover-la-rochelle/monuments-to-visit/123305-musee-des-automates-et-modeles-reduits

The musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is the heir to 200 years of history, enrichment, study and conservation of public collections. It conserves almost 370,000 works originating in Africa, the Near East, Asia, Oceania and the Americas which illustrate the richness and cultural diversity of the non-European civilisations from the Neolithic period (+/-10,000 B.C.) to the 20th century. http://www.quaibranly.fr/en/

The Palais de Tokyo, an art deco building that dates from 1937, reopened in 2001 after a new interior design by French architects Anne Lacaton & Jean-Philippe Vassal who selected rough and ready style (concrete floor, wall and roof). Today the most creative and fun museum in Paris, the only one to be open till midnight. The Palais de Tokyo, which is right next door to the Musée d'Art Moderne at the Trocadero, has opened as a showcase for contemporary art. The idea is to have no permanent collections, but to let experimental artists have somewhere in central Paris to express themselves, hence an opening full of “installation” and “interactive” art. There is no permanent collection; instead, dynamic temporary exhibits spread over a large, open space that's reminiscent of a construction site, with a trailer for a ticket booth. http://www.paris-paris-paris.com/paris_landmarks/museums/palais_de_tokyo_paris

Every trip to the capital deserves a visit to the Louvre to discover the wealth of treasures it contains. The museum houses western works of art dating from the Middle Ages to 1848, in addition to collections of ancient oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman civilizations, as well as graphic and Islamic arts. From room to room, the former royal palace reveals its masterpieces to the public: the Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa, the Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace. In total, there are 35,000 works to be discovered or re-discovered! With its eight hundred year old history, the Louvre has been influenced by numerous architectural trends, from the medieval fortress of the 12th century to the glass pyramid by Pei (1989). The latest addition, housing the Islamic arts section, was designed by architects Mario Bellini and Rudy Ricciotti. The undulating glass canopy covers the Visconti courtyard, flooding the 2,800 m² new wing with light. A visit to the museum is particularly pleasant at night: the Louvre is less crowded and visitors can enjoy stunning night-time views of Pei’s glass pyramid, the Cour Carrée and the Seine. https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71065/Musee-du-Louvre

Discover a completely renovated Grévin Museum in Paris. Experience the Spirit of Paris of yesterday and of today with astounding scenes : the major events of the 20th Century, French history and the latest news. The brasserie, the theatre, artists' studios. all the legendary Parisian haunts where you will rub shoulders with the "Tout Paris" celebrities. Three hundred wax figures are waiting to meet you at the Grévin Museum, to be photographed with you, to be remembered forever... http://www.paris-paris-paris.com/paris_landmarks/museums/grevin_museum_paris

Just a 15-minute journey from Caen, there's a great way to find out what everyday life was like in Gallo-Roman times! A museum, two restored houses and an archaeological dig are all open to visitors. The modern museum with its interactive resources (tactile exhibits, activity booklets...) and archaeological sites, a good excuse for a walk outside, will delight young and old alike. Activities and exhibitions throughout the year. English is spoken. Texts and brochures in English, German and Italian. https://www.caenlamer-tourisme.fr/noesit/!/fiche/vieux-la-romaine-musee-et-sites-archeologiques-663/

One of France's foremost art galleries in terms of European painting from the 16th to the 20th century, the Musée des Beaux-Arts boasts an exceptional collection of engravings and hosts major international exhibitions. Opening of a Cubist room. Land Art in the Sculpture Park where Jaakko Pernu's "Ceiling Light" will take its place alongside works by Bourdelle, Rodin, Marta Pan, Huang Yong Ping and Morellet. https://www.caenlamer-tourisme.fr/noesit/!/fiche/musee-des-beaux-arts-664/

Where history meets legend, the Archeoscope will take you to a timeless place, on an unforgettable adventure. In our unique show, using highly sophisticated technology, immerse yourself in the heart of magical and sacred moments. http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/pcu/archeoscope/le-mont-saint-michel/fiche-PCUNOR050FS000SU-2.html?iDD=6

Historic house of Knight Bertrand du Guesclin, constable of the armies of the King of France (14th century) and his wife Tiphaine de Raguenel, a famous astrologer who used to foretell the destiny of the world in the stars. http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/pcu/logis-tiphaine/le-mont-saint-michel/fiche-PCUNOR050FS000SR-2.html?iDD=6

The Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most prestigious collections in France. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and objects of art produced by all schools, ranging from 15th century to the present are on display in a chronological order: Perugino, Veronese, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Ribera and Poussin. http://en.rouentourisme.com/arts-antiques/musee-des-beaux-arts-2246-en/

A community art centre joining a museography area, a creative art space and a temporary exhibition hall. The Art Centre of Caden is not only a museum displaying thetoy farms designed by Albert Sevestre, but also a venue for exhibits and activities. https://www.rochefortenterre-tourisme.bzh/ln/en/discover/heritage-museums/museum-prehistory-megaliths-brittany/?tif_r=97771fc9-2b46-483c-a676-398565860397&Centre-culturel-les-Digitales

The first museum rebuilt in France after the war (by Guy Lagneau and Raymond Audigier, students of Perret) and the first cultural centre on an exceptional site facing the entrance to the port. https://www.lehavretourisme.com/en/discover/most-famous/andre-malraux-museum-modern-art

The Dinan Rail Museum has been open to the public since 1989 and welcomes nearly 5,000 visitors each year. The museum is spread over 4 large rooms, video projections, static and dynamic collections of scale models will immerse you in the heart of the history of rail. Since its creation in 1983, the association of friends of the Dinanne rail has brought together enthusiasts of the railroad and railway model making (some often merging with the others). This museum is the fruit of their unconventional love for the railway heritage of their region. The visit lasts approximately 45 minutes and can continue with the discovery of Dinan, a medieval city. The city has a park: the Val Cocherel garden - equipped for picnics with the family (tables, games, toilets ...). The museum staff will provide you with any information on this subject. http://www.museedurail-dinan.com/

One of the most remarkable estuaries in Brittany: several exhibitions concerning the heritage surrounding this tidal river. Interactive displays, reconstructions, with sound and smell, a simulation of the tide and its effect, and video displays. http://www.saint-malo-tourisme.co.uk/visit-saint-malo/attractions/museums-famous-sites/137755-maison-de-la-rance

The Museum of Modern Art was born from the donation made to the State in 1976 by Pierre and Denise Lévy, Trojan industrialists and great art lovers. http://www.tourisme-troyes.com/decouvrir/les-musees/musee-d-art-moderne-ancien-palais-episcopal-425997

Book a tasting and discover the incredible diversity of wines produced at Chateau Prieuré Lichine Although Benedictine monks were the first to cultivate vines here, the chateau is named after an indefatigable traveller, Alexis Lichine, became owner in 1951. Since 1999, the chateau has been under the ownership of the Balande family, who have taken steps to modernise this historically unconventional estate. After learning about the extraordinary history of this Fourth Growth chateau, visitors are invited to discover the art of producing fine wine. In the heart of a unique, fascinating terroir, contemporary winegrowing techniques (including a resolutely modern cellar building) are at the forefront of production at Chateau Prieuré Lichine... https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/chateau-prieure-lichine/DEGAQU033FS0001B

Since June 1, 2016, Bordeaux has a contemporary monument, which illustrates the city's dedication to the fruit of the vine: La Cité du Vin.The purpose of this museum is to create a space where sensory experiences are centered wholly around wine. This site is fully dedicated to this "nectar," as a living piece of French history and culture http://au.france.fr/en/discover/visit-cite-vin-bordeaux-0

Imbued with a long history, the Porte Cailhau offers a magnificent view of Bordeaux. Despite its age (just imagine – it dates from 1494!) this large, beautiful monument remains practically unchanged. It was built to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo (Italy). This French king has left his mark on the tower since his likeness decorates a niche on the river side and a notice ask visitors to pay attention to the lintel and reminds them that Charles VIII died from walking quickly into just such a lintel... The Port Cailhau, thirty-five metres tall, was integrated into the city walls. In 1864, it was rented by a public letter writer and a person whose job was to weigh salt. They were both evicted in order to renovate the monument. There is a magnificent view of the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre, from here. An exhibition displays the tools and materials used for construction purposes at the time the Porte Cailhau was built and an audio-visual presentation pieced together from old films immerses us in the world of stone masonry. https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/porte-cailhau/PCUAQU033FS00044

After major renovation works, the "House with the Tower" in Amiens, where Jules Verne lived from 1882 to 1900, once again offers visitors space where the imaginary world and the daily life of the famous writer mix. This luxury 19th-century mansion house witnessed the success of the writer, who wrote most of his "Extraordinary Voyages" there. Both imposing and modest, on four levels and through over 700 objects in the Amiens Metropole collection, the house reveals the personality, sources of inspiration and memories of Jules Verne. From the conservatory to the attic, relive the adventures of his heroes: Michel Strogoff, Phileas Fogg, Captain Nemo, etc. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800010614/PCU

The Musée des Beaux-Arts of Bordeaux exhibits works from the biggest names in European art, as well as artists from Bordeaux, coming from several periods of time and various schools. http://au.france.fr/en/discover/musee-beaux-arts-bordeaux-1

This charming brick and flint residence is private. Only the grounds can be visited, in summer, by appointment! http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800010610/PCU

The limestone of the Picardy plateau was dug out in many places to form refuges. These refugees were called "muches" (hideouts in Picard language). Those in Naours, rediscovered at the end of the last century, are the largest known: all the underground areas combined can house around 2,600 people with their livestock. The layout is remarkable: around 300 chambers, public squares, stables, wells, chimneys, and a chapel with three naves. These underground areas were used by the British forces during the First World War and were used as the headquarters of the German forces during the second world war. Exhibitions of traditional trades. In the park: games, 2 windmills from the 18th century. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800010624/PCU

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Remi Basilica is a collection of history and art which should not be missed. The 11th century Romanesque nave was lengthened by two transepts at the end of the 12th century to render it accessible to a greater number of pilgrims. At the same time, the facade was reconstructed, while a choir ambulatory and radiating chapels were created. While the Gothic style is apparent in these transformations, they in no way altered the homogeneity and serenity of the church. It contains Saint Remi's tomb, a collection of 12th century stain-glass windows and a Cattiaux grand organ, inaugurated in the year 2000. https://www.reims-tourism.com/basilique-saint-remi/reims/pcu0000000000733

Transformed at the end of the 17th century by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Robert de Cotte, the Palace of Tau still holds rooms that have retained their medieval aspect. This is the case with the Palatine Chapel (13th century) and the Tau Room, in which the coronation banquet was held. Decorating the walls are 15th century tapestries which tell the story of "Mighty King Clovis". The royal treasury's most remarkable objects are Charlemagne's talisman (9th century) and Saint Remi's chalice (12th century). The Sainte-Ampoule, or "holy flask", contains the holy oil with which new kings were anointed during the coronation ceremony. https://www.reims-tourism.com/palais-du-tau/reims/pcu0000000000855

The origin of the name "Courtgain" comes from "small wages" and it refers to the picturesque sailors' district, crossed by two little parallel streets: the Rue des Moulins and the Rue des Pilotes which ends near the sailors' wayside cross and oratory with wonderful views. The closely terraced houses dating from the late 18th and early 19th century. They are built with bricks, some parts in cob, with a black base, the rest painted in bright colours, according to the age-old tradition of the fishermen who manned the shrimp boats known as "sauterelliers". The district, decked with lovely flowers, stages the Fête de la Mer every summer. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800010704/PCU

This museum was donated to the town of Doullens in 1908 by Jules François Lombart, a wealthy chocolate manufacturer and keen art collector. There are works by Corot, Chardin, Daubigny and Poulbot (who came from a local family) plus Egyptian objects, including a mummy, and archaeological finds. The museum with its eclectic collection also has a lovely French formal garden. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC080FS0001A/PCU