Free museums in France

The Bordeaux Botanical Garden is a scientific institution located in the Gironde department in France. Its main aim is to introduce the world of plants, their diversity, nature, and the sustainable management of natural resources to all audiences. It serves as a space for conservation and preservation of this heritage. The garden is not only educational but also recreational, and it provides a tool for observation.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts, located in the French city of Rouen, is a fine arts museum that was established in 1799. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most notable regional museums in France. The museum provides an extensive overview of European art, dating back to the 15th century.

Lille-Saint-Sauveur, once a goods train station, has been transformed into a recreational and exhibition space. This transformation took place in 2009 during the events of Lille 3000. The station's buildings now serve as a unique venue for various activities and exhibitions, offering a unique blend of history and modernity.

Le Secq des Tournelles Museum is a unique destination in Rouen, France. It is a museum dedicated to ironwork and is housed in a former church. This gives the museum a unique atmosphere, combining the historical and religious significance of the building with the artistic and practical aspects of the ironwork on display.

If you are interested in Bernadette's early life, you need to visit the water mill which has been reconstructed to its former glory in 2012.

The Museum of the Former Bishopric, located in Grenoble, is a departmental museum that showcases the heritage of the Isère department. The museum is housed in the historical episcopal palace, providing a unique insight into the region's history and culture.

The National Jean Moulin Center in Bordeaux is a museum and documentation center that focuses on the history of World War II. It particularly highlights the French Resistance, the deportation of Jews and other groups, and the Free French Forces. The center was established in 1967 and has been attached to the Aquitaine Museum since April 2006. It provides reference works on the period of the Second World War.

A small unassuming museum hides a history of education and what schools once looked like. Although it doesn't have famous painters to display, it's still a nice detour for both adults and children. You can peak into what dresses, tools, maps and photos that recount the history of public schools in F

Visit a former prison where the family of Soubirous lived. Experience the dreadful living conditions and learn about the life of Bernadette.

The Maubuisson Abbey, located in the municipality of Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône in the French department of Val-d'Oise, is a former abbey for female Cistercians. This historical site offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region, making it a significant point of interest for tourists.

The Musée Carnavalet is the museum in Paris for the history of the city with a very wide collection. The museum consists of the Hôtel de Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, together accounting for around a hundred rooms. The Hôtel Carnavalet was built in 1548 by Count Jacques des

Le Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden in Paris that also houses a zoo, the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. The garden is located on the left bank of the Seine, and has been part of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle since 1793. The site covers around 28 hectares and next to the zoo and

The Musée de Grenoble is the city museum of Grenoble in France. It was founded in 1798 and has been located in a new building on the banks of the Isère River since 1994. This location offers a unique setting for the museum, combining the beauty of the natural landscape with the architectural design of the building.

Founded in 1984, the art center is located in the oldest civil building in Metz since 2004. The collection consists of about 800 artworks from regional, national, and international artists.

The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l’Isère, located in Grenoble, France, has a rich history dating back to its original opening in 1966. Initially named the Musée de la Résistance Dauphinoise, it was dedicated to local resistance networks. Over the years, the museum has undergone significant renovations and has been in its current location in the rue Hébert since 1994.

The Musée dauphinois, situated in Grenoble, France, is a museum that focuses on the ethnography, archaeology, history, and society of the former province of the Dauphin. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the cultural and historical aspects of the region, making it a significant destination for those interested in understanding the rich heritage of the area.

Take a tour around the factory and discover how the planes are assembled and tested. You will see huge aircrafts, and also the famous A380!

The Zollmuseum in Habkirchen is a unique institution that documents the history of the border and customs between Habkirchen in Germany and the neighboring French community of Frauenberg. The museum is housed in the former customs house in Habkirchen, which is located directly at the pedestrian bridge to Frauenberg. It provides a detailed insight into the over 300-year history of the border post, showcasing various exhibits and documents collected over the years.

The Mémorial de la Shoah (Center de documentation juive contemporaine, CDJC) is the central memorial to the Holocaust in France, located in Paris. Focus is the persecution of the Jews in occupied France and under the Vichy regime from 1940-1944. The Mémorial de la Shoah is also a museum where visito

The Brittany Museum, known as Musée de Bretagne in French, is a social history museum situated in the Champs Libres cultural centre in Rennes, France. The museum is dedicated to the conservation, study, and presentation of the history of Brittany and Breton heritage from prehistory to the present day. It provides a comprehensive overview of the region's history and culture, making it a significant destination for those interested in understanding Brittany's past and present.

The Montpellier Zoological Park, locally referred to as Parc de Lunaret, is situated to the north of the French city of Montpellier, in the Hérault department of the Occitanie administrative region. This accredited member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is a significant destination for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne is an art museum that was established in 1836. It is situated in the Bastide Saint-Louis in Carcassonne and is housed in the city's old presidium. The museum was founded by art and history enthusiasts, making it a significant cultural landmark in the city.

The Museo d'arte di Tolone, located in Toulon, is a significant center for the conservation and exhibition of the municipal collections of the city. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide range of artworks and historical artifacts, providing a deep insight into the city's cultural heritage.

The Requien Museum, located in Avignon, Vaucluse, is a natural history museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in botany, paleontology, and malacology.

The Arboretum of the Valley of Wolves is a beautiful natural site located in the heart of Val d'Aulnay at 102, rue de Chateaubriand in Châtenay-Malabry, in the Hauts-de-Seine, France. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and those interested in botany. The arboretum is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Photography Museum André Villers, established in 1986, is located in the French town of Mougins. This museum is named after André Villers, a friend and personal photographer of Picasso. It is a significant destination for those interested in photography and the history of photographic equipment.

The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (Marseille History Museum) is the local historical and archaeological museum of Marseille. The museum holds a collection of archaeological finds discovered when the site it is located on was excavated and other archaeological objects related to the history of Marsei

Parc du Thabor, located near the center of the French city of Rennes, spans an area of over ten hectares. This expansive park offers ample space for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities. Its central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

Currently a museum, the hospice was the first place where Bernadette came to learn. Visit the oratory where she received her communion.

This workshop offers a chance to discover manufacturing techniques of the handmade statues sold here. Do not forget to get a unique souvenir!

Visit the Maison de Victor Hugo where the famous writer who is one of the most famous representatives of Romanticism spent 16 years of his life, and enjoy its unique atmosphere. Each room in the apartment of Victor Hugo describes a certain period of his life in detail - before, during and after exil

Le jardin des plantes de Rouen is a public botanical garden located on the left bank of the Seine in Rouen. It is easily accessible from several locations including the Place and Avenue des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance, Rue Dufay, and Rue de Trianon. This makes it a convenient destination for tourists who are exploring the city.

The Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier is a university botanical garden that was established in 1593. This makes it the oldest botanical garden in France, predating the ones in Strasbourg, Paris, and Caen. The garden was initially intended for the cultivation of medicinal plants, but it quickly evolved into a comprehensive tool for botanical study.

The Calvet Museum, located in Avignon, is the city's primary museum. Its extensive collection is divided between two distinct buildings. The fine arts collection is housed in an 18th-century hôtel particulier, a type of grand townhouse. A separate Lapidary Museum, which showcases stone carvings and sculptures, is located in the former chapel of the city's Jesuit college on rue de la République.

A museum focused on the life of Bernadette and the construction of the Sanctuary. Come and see its collections of pictures and objects.

This cottage is an entrance gate to the Aiguilles Rouges Reserve. Familiarize yourself with the local flora, fauna and activities here.

Make an appointment if you want to visit this institution. Its goal is to present the development of electricity and tools related to it.

Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Nice is the Asian Arts Museum of Nice in Parc Phœnix, which houses collections of Asian arts. It was inaugurated in 1981 and was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Its collections are from private and public collections, reflecting the important civilizations in

The Centre d'histoire du Mémorial 14-18, previously known as Lens 14-18, is a free interpretation center situated in Souchez. The center is dedicated to the events of the First World War that took place in Artois and French Flanders. This makes it a significant location for those interested in understanding the history and impact of the First World War in these regions.

The Saint-John-Perse Museum is a municipal museum situated in the historic district of Pointe-à-Pitre, in Guadeloupe. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city. The museum is a significant cultural site that offers insights into the local history and culture.

The Henri-Barré Museum is situated in the town of Thouars, in the Deux-Sèvres department of France. This location is significant as it provides a cultural and historical hub for visitors to the region. The museum is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the life and works of Henri Barré.

Musée Bourdelle is a museum in Paris that is located in the former residence and studio of the French sculptor Émile-Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929). The museum exhibits an important art collection of his work. It was founded in 1949. Like Auguste Rodin, Antoine Bourdelle wanted to leave a museum at t

The Municipal Museum of Art and History of Colombes is situated in the city of Colombes, within the Hauts-de-Seine department in France. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich cultural experience for tourists visiting the area.

The Languedoc Museum, situated in Montpellier, France, is a historical and archaeological institution that focuses on the heritage of the Languedoc region. Its collections are particularly rich in artifacts from the medieval and modern periods, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's past.

The Château de Pau is a significant historical site located in the heart of Pau, the capital of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. This castle is a prominent feature of the city and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Ever wanted to touch dolphins and swim with them? Here you have the chance. Your kids will also love the shows.

The Château de Châteaubriant, located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire Atlantique department of France, is a medieval castle with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It was initially founded as a fortress to defend the eastern border of Brittany. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone several renovations and modifications, particularly during the Renaissance period, which have contributed to its current appearance.

The Château de Croissy, also known as Château Chanorier, is a historical monument located in the town of Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines department of France. Named after one of its former owners, the château is a significant part of the town's history and culture.

The Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu is situated on the route of the Impressionist painters, just a few kilometers away from Giverny. This location makes it an ideal stop for art enthusiasts and those interested in the Impressionist movement. The museum's proximity to Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, one of the most famous Impressionist painters, adds to its appeal.

The Musée des Archives Nationales is a museum in Paris that is housed in the Hôtel de Soubise, with exhibitions with objects from the collections of the government archives. The museum aims to provide document-based perspective on the history and the evolution of French society. The museum organizes

Musée d'Histoire de Lyon is a history museum in Lyon that is housed in Hotel Gadagne. The museum houses the historic collections of the city and presents it chronologically, illustrating the cultural history of Lyon since the Middle Ages until the nineteenth century, with more than 80,000 objects in

The Museum of the Legion of Honor (Musée national de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie) is a museum of orders of merit and orders of chivalry, housed in the Hôtel de Salm, built in 1782 by architect Pierre Rousseau for Frederick III, Prince of Salm-Kyrburg, in Paris. The collection of

The Musée Cognacq-Jay is an art museum in Paris that was founded by Marie-Louise Jaÿ (1838-1925) and her husband Ernest Cognacq (1839-1928). The founders and owners of the La Samaritaine department store built a large collection of valuable furniture and works of art from between 1900 and 1925. The

The Ecomusée du Creusot-Montceau is an industrial heritage museum that offers a unique insight into the region's industrial past. It is located in the territory of Creusot and Montceau-les-Mines and is owned by the Urban Community Creusot Montceau. The museum is a testament to the region's rich industrial history and is a great place for tourists interested in learning more about the area's past.

The Maritime Museum of New Caledonia is a significant institution that focuses on the history of French colonial exploration in the Pacific. It provides a comprehensive insight into the maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and maritime exploration.

The Natural History Museum of Dijon is situated in the Arquebuse Park in Dijon. This location provides a serene and natural environment that complements the museum's focus on natural history. It's an ideal place for tourists who are interested in exploring the natural world and its history.

Atelier Brancusi is a French glyptotheque that is related to the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture in Paris. Located on Georges Pompidou Square, it is designed to reproduce the studio of the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi. It is a national museum of modern art in Paris.

The Musée de la Préfecture de Police is a museum that is housed in the Hôtel de police in Paris that is dedicated to police history. The collection of this police museum in Paris contains photographs, letters, memorabilia, and drawings that illustrate major events in the history of France, famous cr

The Hôtel du Petit Louvre is a private mansion situated in the heart of Troyes, France. This historical monument, which was listed in 1986, is nestled on the banks of the Seine and at the intersection of Linard Gontier, Boucherat, and Montée Saint-Pierre streets. The building's name is a reference to the Louvre in Paris, a place of power.

The Zadkine Museum (Musée Zadkine) is a small museum in Paris with works by Ossip Zadkine (1890-1967), a Russian-born artist who lived in France. The museum is located in the house and studio where he lived and worked from 1928 until his death. There are around 400 sculptures, gouaches, works on pap

The Pavillon Populaire, located on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in Montpellier, has been a space dedicated to photographic art since the late 1990s. This unique venue offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of photographic exhibitions, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists. The museum's location in the heart of Montpellier makes it easily accessible for tourists.

The Natural History Museum of Perpignan is housed in a unique location, a mansion known as Hôtel Çagarriga. This historic building is located in the city of Perpignan, nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France. The museum's location adds a layer of historical charm to the experience of exploring the natural history exhibits.

The Museum of the Sea is a prominent feature of the city of Sète, situated in a prime location facing the Mediterranean Sea. It is nestled between two other significant landmarks - the marine cemetery of Sète and the Sea Theater. This strategic location offers visitors not only a rich cultural experience but also stunning views of the surrounding seascape.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a significant Catholic religious center located in the city of Lourdes, France. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and serves as a pilgrimage destination for many believers worldwide. The sanctuary is known for its healing waters and offers various services, including devotional activities and accommodation for sick pilgrims and their helpers.

The archbishop palace holds an amazing collection of tapestries that will really catch your eye - some motives are quite bizarre.

This museum is a curiosity. A local artist Will Fenton collected parts of plants and created over 60 dolls in local costumes.

The Musée Curie in Paris is a historical museum dedicated to radiological research. The museum is housed in the former laboratory of Marie Curie (a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity). The laboratory was built 1911-1914 and Marie Cu

The Musée des Docks Romains (The museum of Roman docks) is a museum in Marseille, displays 'in situ' the remains of one of the few known Roman commercial warehouses in the world. The Museum illustrates the port activity of Marseille and features large storage vases or dolia preserved in situ that sh

Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode (The Museum of Decorative Arts, Earthenware and Fashion) is a museum in Marseille that is housed in Château Borély. The musuem holds a collection that is displayed of 2,500 works, including furniture, ceramics, glasses, tapestries, works of art,

The Ducastel-Véra Museum is a unique institution that brings together a diverse range of collections. Since 2021, it has housed the collections of the municipal museum, which includes Fine Arts from the 15th to the 20th century. Additionally, it is home to the Paul-and-André-Véra Museum, the royal apothecary, and the birthplace of Claude-Debussy. The museum also showcases the natural history collections of the city of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

The Maison de la Photographie in Toulon is a French museum situated in the city of Toulon, in the Var department. The museum offers both temporary and permanent exhibitions, providing a variety of photographic works for visitors to explore.

The American socialite, fashion icon and philanthropist Countess Mona von Bismarck donated her Parisian townhouse and the majority of her estate to found the Mona Bismarck Foundation. The Mona Bismarck American Center in Paris aims to engage visitors in a dialogue with the depth and diversity of the

The Jeanne-d'Arc Chapel, located in Thouars in the French department of Deux-Sèvres, is a neo-Gothic chapel that has been repurposed as a national contemporary art center. This transformation has allowed the chapel to maintain its historical significance while also serving as a platform for modern art.

The Pavillon de l'Arsenal is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to architecture and urban planning and architecture in Paris and its surroundings. The museum building was built in 1878-1879 for wood merchant Laurent-Louis Borniche. The permanent exhibition in the Pavillon de l'Arsenal presents Pari

The Musée des Usines Municipales in Colmar is a unique institution that focuses on the industrial heritage associated with the city's municipal activities. These activities include water, gas, electricity, and public transport. This museum provides a fascinating insight into the city's industrial past and the evolution of its infrastructure over time.

La Gaîté Lyrique is a digital arts and modern music centre located on the site of the former Théâtre de la Gaîté in Paris. It includes the following performance venues: Large Hall (Grande Salle), the Small Hall (Petite Salle), and the Auditorium. Furthermore it includes a resource centre which funct

Villa Arson is a national center for contemporary art in Nice in France that contains an art museum, an elite school, a media library and a research institution for contemporary art. The complete area of 20,000 m² includes exhibition space, workshops, student accommodation and gardens.

The South Africa (Delville Wood) National Memorial is a significant war monument situated in the municipality of Longueval, in the French department of Somme, Hauts-de-France region. This memorial is a tribute to the South African soldiers who lost their lives during the World War II. It is a place of historical significance and a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

Musée Franciscain (the Franciscan Museum) is a museum in Nice in France that is devoted to the life of the Franciscans in Nice from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. The museum illustrates the spiritual and social message of Saint Francis of Assisi through paintings, sculptures, engravings

The Maison de Payrac is a unique space that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Nages region in Tarn. It also provides a glimpse into the peasant life of the past, showcasing the skills and products that were integral to their way of life.

The Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage – Édouard Champion is situated in the city of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, on the Côte d’Opale in Northern France, by the English Channel. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich artistic and cultural history of the region while enjoying the scenic beauty of the coastal city.

The History of Medicine Museum (Musée de l'Histoire de la Médecine) in Toulouse is housed in the Jean-de-Rudelle space, at Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, a former hospital listed by UNESCO. The museum holds a collection of objects that originate from the second half of the 19th century to the present day

Each FRAC has a unique history, its own collection, and a program of collateral activities. This allows each FRAC to have its own distinct identity. Unlike museums or art centers, FRACs are not associated with a single exhibition location. Each collection is considered a nomadic heritage, rich in educational tools, that moves within the country and abroad.