All ethnology museums to visit in France

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 69 ethnology museums in France. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in France:

  1. Alsatian Museum1

    Alsatian Museum

     Strasbourg
    The Alsatian Museum, also known as Musée Alsacien, is a significant regional museum for Alsace. It was established in 1902 and is situated at 23, quai Saint-Nicolas in the old town of Strasbourg. The museum is a testament to the rich history and culture of the Alsace region, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in understanding the region's past and its influences.
  2. Castle Vodou Museum2

    Castle Vodou Museum

     Strasbourg
    The Vodou Castle, also known as the Vodou Castle Museum, is a unique cultural institution located in Strasbourg, in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace. This museum offers visitors a chance to explore the rich and diverse world of Vodou art and culture.
  3. Arquebuse Botanical Garden3

    Arquebuse Botanical Garden

     Dijon
    The Arquebuse Botanical Garden, located in Dijon, Burgundy, France, is a 5-hectare botanical garden and arboretum. It is a municipal administration and is also a public garden, rose garden, natural history museum, ethnology museum, and planetarium. The garden is a member of the prestigious 'Botanical Gardens of France and Francophone countries'.
  4. Musée du quai Branly4

    Musée du quai Branly

     Paris
    The Musée du quai Branly museum is a large ethnographic museum in Paris. With four buildings, the museum, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, covers an area of ​​40,600 m², with one wall of 200 meters long and 12 meters high covered with plants on the outside, designed by the French botanist Patrick
  5. Musée des Explorations du Monde5

    Musée des Explorations du Monde

     Cannes
    Housing ancient items, artworks and musical instruments from all around the world, this museum is a perfect place for every history buff.
  6. Natural History Museum6

    Natural History Museum

     Grenoble
    The Natural History Museum of Grenoble, founded in 1851, is a municipal museum located in Grenoble, France. It is a significant institution that has been presenting a rich natural heritage to the public since the opening of its building in 1855.
  7. Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle7

    Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle

     La Rochelle
    The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle is a renowned natural history museum situated in the city of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime region of France. It offers a rich collection of natural history and ethnography exhibits, making it a significant destination for those interested in these fields.
  8. Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée8

    Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée

     Marseille
    The MuCEM - Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) is a national museum in Marseille that is dedicated to European and Mediterranean civilisations. The museum is located at the entrance of the harbour, next to the 17th-centu
  9. Museum of Lourdes9

    Museum of Lourdes

     Lourdes
    Travel back in time and get to know the early life in Lourdes. Discover a wide collection of ancient tools and costumes, all in one place.
  10. Musée historique de Haguenau10

    Musée historique de Haguenau

     Haguenau
    The Musée historique is a city and cultural history museum located in the municipality of Hagenau in Alsace, which is now part of the Région Grand Est in France. The museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in understanding the past and present of Hagenau and Alsace.
  11. Église Sainte-Anne11

    Église Sainte-Anne

     Dijon
    The Sainte-Anne Church in Dijon is a unique architectural structure. It is a circular church with a copper dome, built in the 18th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Anne and is associated with the Bernardines monastery of Dijon, which dates back to the 17th century. This combination of religious and architectural history makes it a fascinating place to visit.
  12. Camargue Museum12

    Camargue Museum

     Arles
    The Camargue Museum is situated in the town of Arles, specifically at Mas du Pont-de-Rousty. It is conveniently located 8 km away on the departmental road 570, in the direction of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  13. Musée des Confluences13

    Musée des Confluences

     Lyon
    Musée des Confluences is a science centre and anthropology museum in Lyon. It hold a collection of natural science, anthropology, and Earth Sciences and exhibits related to arts and crafts. The museum features 4 main exhibitions called 'Origins - Stories of the World', 'Species - the Web of life', '
  14. Musée Picarvie14

    Musée Picarvie

     Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
    The Musée Picarvie, located in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, is a museum dedicated to showcasing the old Picard trades from the 19th century. This museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the Picard region during this period.
  15. House of Sugar15

    House of Sugar

     Les Trois-Îlets
    The House of Sugar, situated in the town of Les Trois-Îlets in Martinique, is a regional museum that provides a comprehensive history of sugarcane from the time it was introduced to Martinique in the mid-17th century. This museum is easily visible from the road between Les Trois-Îlets and Rivière-Salée.
  16. Mémorial ACTe16

    Mémorial ACTe

     Pointe-à-Pitre
    The Mémorial ACTe Museum, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, the capital of Guadeloupe, is a significant institution dedicated to the history of slavery. Established in 2015, the museum was funded by the European Union, the Cultural Senate of Guadeloupe, and the city of Pointe-à-Pitre itself. This museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the history and impact of slavery, making it a significant destination for those interested in historical and cultural exploration.
  17. Dauphinois Museum17

    Dauphinois Museum

     Grenoble
    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.
  18. Pyrenean Museum18

    Pyrenean Museum

     Lourdes
    The Pyrenean Museum of Lourdes, located in the fortified castle of Lourdes in the Hautes-Pyrénées region, is a museum dedicated to all aspects of the Pyrenees. It has been housed in this location since 1921, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Pyrenees region.
  19. Museum of Brittany19

    Museum of Brittany

     Rennes
    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.
  20. Musée du Vexin Français20

    Musée du Vexin Français

     Théméricourt
    The Musée du Vexin français, an ecomuseum, was opened in 2001. It is situated in the commune of Théméricourt, within the Val-d'Oise department in Île-de-France. This location places it at the heart of the French Vexin, approximately 45 km northwest of Paris.
  21. Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet21

    Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet

     Paris
    Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Musée Guimet is a French museum of Asian art in Paris. Although the museum now covers almost all of East Asia, focus is on archaeological pieces and classical oriental art, with few to no contemporary or ethnological pieces. There is however an extensive textile
  22. Toy Museum22

    Toy Museum

     Poissy
    The Toy Museum – Pierre-Pinel, located in Poissy, Yvelines, is a unique destination dedicated to the world of toys and children's games. It offers a fascinating journey through the history of play, showcasing a wide range of toys from different periods and cultures. Whether you're a child or an adult, the museum promises an engaging and nostalgic experience.
  23. Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie23

    Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie

     Noumea
    The Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie is a museum situated in Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia. It is a significant cultural institution that showcases the rich history and diverse cultures of the region. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that represent the indigenous Kanak culture, as well as other Oceanic societies.
  24. Museum of Corsica24

    Museum of Corsica

     Corte
    Learn more about Corsican customs, traditions and history in this museum. Don't miss the Genoese fortress - the entry is included in the ticket.
  25. Écomusée Créole Art25

    Écomusée Créole Art

     Sainte-Rose
    Écomusée Créole Art is a private ecomuseum situated in the picturesque town of Sainte-Rose in Guadeloupe. This unique museum offers a deep dive into the rich cultural and botanical heritage of the island.
  26. Regional Museum of History and Ethnography26

    Regional Museum of History and Ethnography

     Fort-de-France
    The Regional Museum of History and Ethnography is situated in the city of Fort-de-France, on the Caribbean island of Martinique. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the island, and its central location in the city allows for easy exploration of the surrounding area.
  27. La Savane des esclaves27

    La Savane des esclaves

     Les Trois-Îlets
    La Savane des esclaves is a unique site located in the commune of Les Trois-Ilets, Martinique. It was created by Gilbert Larose in 2000 with the aim of preserving and promoting the island's heritage. This site offers a glimpse into the island's past and its cultural richness.
  28. Museum of Jewish Art and History28

    Museum of Jewish Art and History

     Paris
    The Museum of Jewish Art and History (Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme) is a museum in Paris that is housed in the Hôtel de St-Aignan in Le Marais, where it brings together a number of collections that were previously spread throughout Paris. It is dedicated to French-Jewish culture from the Mi
  29. Museum of Guyanese Cultures29

    Museum of Guyanese Cultures

     Cayenne
    The Museum of Guyanese Cultures is a cultural institution located in the city of Cayenne, Guyana. It is a place where visitors can learn about the diverse cultures that have shaped the history and identity of Guyana. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and displays that provide insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of the Guyanese people.
  30. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature30

    Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

     Paris
    The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of hunting and nature) in Paris is a private museum that holds the collections of the Fondation de la Maison de la Chasse et de la Nature. Exhibits focus on the relationships between humans and the natural environment through the traditions and practice
  31. Maison de la Bataille31

    Maison de la Bataille

     Noordpeene
    The Maison de la Bataille de la Peene is a museum situated in the town of Noordpeene. It is dedicated to the Battle of Peene and the culture of French Flanders. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the region and understand the significant events that shaped its past.
  32. African Museum32

    African Museum

     Île-d'Aix
    The African Museum of Île d'Aix is a recognized French museum situated on the Île d'Aix in Charente-Maritime. It is one of the two museums on the island that hold the prestigious 'Museum of France' label, the other being the nearby Napoleonic Museum. This museum offers a unique cultural experience for visitors interested in African history and culture.
  33. Cave of Niaux33

    Cave of Niaux

     Niaux
    The Pyrenean Museum of Niaux houses a vast collection of traditional objects that depict various aspects of daily life and activities. These include pastoralism, milling, domestic activities, religion, and glass and iron work. The collection provides a comprehensive view of the region's history and culture, from traditional practices to the beginnings of modern life.
  34. Musée de l'Homme - Palais de Chaillot34

    Musée de l'Homme - Palais de Chaillot

     Paris
    The Musée de l'Homme is an anthropology museum in Paris that is one of the seven departments of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. The Musée de l'Homme occupies most of the Passy wing of the Palais de Chaillot.
  35. Institut du Monde Arabe35

    Institut du Monde Arabe

     Tourcoing
    The Institut du Monde Arabe is not just an institute, but a complex that houses a museum, a library, an auditorium, a restaurant, offices, and meeting rooms. This makes it a multifaceted institution that caters to a variety of interests and needs, from cultural and historical exploration to culinary experiences and academic pursuits.
  36. Museum of Old Nîmes36

    Museum of Old Nîmes

     Nimes
    The Musée du Vieux Nîmes, or Museum of Old Nîmes, is situated in the former episcopal palace of Nîmes. This historic building is located in the heart of the southern French city of Nîmes, in the Gard department. The museum is conveniently located on the Place aux Herbes, making it easily accessible for tourists.
  37. Musée de l'histoire de l'immigration37

    Musée de l'histoire de l'immigration

     Paris
    The Cité nationale de l'histoire de l 'immigration (CNH, Musée de l'histoire de l'immigration) is a museum dedicated to immigration to France, located in Paris. The permanent exhibition covers 1,100 m² and is dedicated to immigration to France since the early 19th century, focusing on the following
  38. Museon Arlaten38

    Museon Arlaten

     Arles
    The Museon Arlaten, also known as the Arles Museum, is a museum dedicated to the ethnography of Provence. It is located in the city of Arles, at 29, rue de la République. The museum is housed in the 15th-century hôtel particulier Laval-Castellane, which is now a monument historique. The museum was founded by the Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral and opened in 1899.
  39. Joseph Denais Museum39

    Joseph Denais Museum

     Beaufort-en-Anjou
    The Joseph-Denais Museum, situated in Beaufort-en-Vallée in Maine-et-Loire, is recognized as a "Museum of France". It boasts a diverse collection that spans across various disciplines such as natural sciences, fine arts, decorative arts, Egyptian and Mediterranean archaeology, as well as French and foreign ethnography. The museum also provides insights into local history, making it a comprehensive destination for those interested in a wide range of subjects.
  40. Musée Vivant des Vieux Métiers40

    Musée Vivant des Vieux Métiers

     Argol
    The Musée Vivant des Vieux Métiers is a museum situated in Argol, a village on the Crozon peninsula in Finistère. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of the peninsula.
  41. Natural History Museum41

    Natural History Museum

     Perpignan
    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.
  42. Musée alsacien (Haguenau)42

    Musée alsacien (Haguenau)

     Haguenau
    The Museé alsacien, also known as the Alsatian museum, is one of the three museums located in Haguenau, France. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the local history and culture.
  43. Space Museum Aimé Césaire43

    Space Museum Aimé Césaire

     Fort-de-France
    Museum displays traditional costumes of Martinique inhabitants. There are also Christmas figurines on exhibit.
  44. Edgar Clerc Caribbean Heritage Museum44

    Edgar Clerc Caribbean Heritage Museum

     Les Abymes
    All the secrets about Guadaloupean history, trade with slaves, colonial heritage, simply all about the island will be revealed here to you.
  45. Flanders Museum45

    Flanders Museum

     Cassel
    The Musée de Flandere, also known as the Museum of Flanders, is a French departmental museum located in the municipality of Cassel. It is situated at the Grand'Place, in the Nord department. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich cultural experience for visitors.
  46. Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie46

    Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie

     Cayenne
    The Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie, located in Cayenne, French Guiana, is a museum that offers a wide range of collections. These collections span various fields including natural history, archaeology, ethnography, and local history. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage of French Guiana.
  47. Maison des Sources47

    Maison des Sources

     Mauléon-Barousse
    The Maison des Sources is a unique destination situated in the scenic town of Mauléon-Barousse, nestled within the Hautes-Pyrénées department. The site is part of the Syndicat des Eaux Barousse-Comminges-Save, a regional water authority, which adds a unique aspect to its location.
  48. Japanese Culture House of Paris48

    Japanese Culture House of Paris

     Paris
    La maison de la culture du Japon à Paris (Japanese Culture House of Paris) is managed by the Japan Foundation and aims to spread Japanese culture. The Japanese Culture House of Paris hosts exhibitions, shows, film screenings, lectures, cooking demonstrations as well as tea ceremonies and courses on
  49. Musée Palaisien du Hurepoix49

    Musée Palaisien du Hurepoix

     Palaiseau
    The Hurepoix Museum, located in the French town of Palaiseau, is dedicated to the former province of Hurepoix. It is situated in the Essonne department and the Île-de-France region, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  50. Musée de la Bourrine du Bois Juquaud50

    Musée de la Bourrine du Bois Juquaud

     Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
    The Musée de la Bourrine du Bois Juquaud is a French museum situated in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, in the Vendée department and the Pays-de-la-Loire region. This museum is dedicated to showcasing and describing the traditional skills and customs of the marshland inhabitants of north-western Vendée during the 19th and 20th centuries.
  51. Musée du Terroir Marseillais51

    Musée du Terroir Marseillais

     Marseille
    The Musée du terroir marseillais (Museum of Terroir Marseillais) is a museum of arts and popular traditions located in Château Gombert in Marseille. The museum holds collections that are presented in eight renaissance-style rooms, including costumes, furniture, utensils, musical instruments, cribs a
  52. Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen52

    Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen

     La Barre-de-Monts
    The Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen, also known as "Le Daviaud", is a French ecomuseum that was established in 1982. Located in La Barre-de-Monts, this museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the local natural and historical heritage.
  53. Musée des arts africains, océaniens et amérindiens53

    Musée des arts africains, océaniens et amérindiens

     Marseille
    Musée des arts africains, océaniens et amérindiens (The Museum of African, Oceanic and Native American Art), is a museum in Marseille that is located on the second floor of the Vieille Charité. The museum presents works exclusively from the African, Oceanian and Native American continents.
  54. Musée d'Ethnographie de l'université de Bordeaux54

    Musée d'Ethnographie de l'université de Bordeaux

     Bordeaux
    The Musée d'Ethnographie de l'université de Bordeaux, abbreviated as MEB, is a university museum that was established in 1894. It is situated within the premises of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine of Bordeaux, which is now known as the University of Human and Social Sciences of Bordeaux. The museum is a significant part of the university's history and continues to be an integral part of its academic and cultural life.
  55. Tjibaou Cultural Centre55

    Tjibaou Cultural Centre

     Noumea
    The Tjibaou Cultural Centre, inaugurated in May 1998, is a significant cultural hub located in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. It serves as a venue for cultural events of the indigenous Kanak people, along with hosting a variety of exhibitions, conferences, and concerts.
  56. Natural History and Ethnography Museum56

    Natural History and Ethnography Museum

     Colmar
    The Musée d’Histoire Naturelle et d’Ethnographie is a museum dedicated to natural history and ethnography, located in the French city of Colmar. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural world and diverse cultures through its extensive collections.
  57. Musée de la Vie Paysanne57

    Musée de la Vie Paysanne

     Nages
    The Musée de la vie paysanne en Haut-Languedoc is situated in the commune of Nages, in the Tarn region of France. This location is significant as it provides visitors with a chance to explore the rural and cultural heritage of the Haut-Languedoc region, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
  58. Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions58

    Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions

     Draguignan
    The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Middle Provence, also known as the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions (ATP), is a recognized "Museum of France". It specializes in Provencal ethnography, offering a deep dive into the cultural practices and traditions of the region. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, providing a unique perspective on the local history and way of life.
  59. Agathois Jules Baudou Museum59

    Agathois Jules Baudou Museum

     Agde
    The Agathois Jules-Baudou Museum is a municipal museum situated in the heart of Agde, a city in the French department of Hérault, Occitanie region. The museum specializes in arts, popular traditions, and fine arts, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors.
  60. Alpilles Museum60

    Alpilles Museum

     Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
    The Alpilles Museum is a cultural institution located in the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France. This museum offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and culture of the region.
  61. Musée de Cerdagne61

    Musée de Cerdagne

     Saillagouse
    The Musée de Cerdagne, located in Sainte-Léocadie, is an ethnology and history museum. It has been recognized as a "museum of France" since 1997. This recognition is a testament to the museum's significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of French history and culture.
  62. Musée Cévenol62

    Musée Cévenol

     Le Vigan
    The Musée cévenol is situated in the picturesque town of Le Vigan, nestled in the Gard department of the Occitanie region in France. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the area, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
  63. Archaeological Museum of Val d'Oise63

    Archaeological Museum of Val d'Oise

     Guiry-en-Vexin
    The Archaeological Museum of Val d'Oise is situated in the quaint village of Guiry-en-Vexin, nestled in the French Vexin region. This location is approximately 50 km northwest of Paris, making it a feasible day trip for those staying in the capital. The museum's location within the French Vexin Regional Natural Park adds to its charm and appeal.
  64. 64

    Museum of Saint Martin

     Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
    Take a guided tour through the museum and explore 150 years of history. It shows the development of society and tourism in the town.
  65. 65

    Crystal Museum - Tairraz Centre

     Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
    Learn interesting information about the mountains and the people who climb them. The exhibition is playful and interactive.
  66. 66

    Chasal Lento Museum

     Mont-de-Lans
    Discover the history and traditions of the Les Deux Alpes region in this museum. You will see various historical artifacts here.
  67. 67

    The Smoking Museum

     Paris
    The Musée du Fumeur (Smoking Museum) is a museum in Paris on smoking that holds and exhibits a collection of smoking objects. Its collection includes European pipes, 17th century clay pipes, Native American ceremonial pipes, hookahs, Chinese opium pipes, Egyptian sheeshas, snuffboxes, cigars and tob
  68. 68

    Museum Comtois

     Besançon
    The Comtois Museum, located in the prestigious setting of the Royal Front of the Citadel of Besançon since 1960, is an ethnographic museum that showcases the history, traditions, and culture of the Franche-Comté region. The museum was born out of the interest of a priest, Abbé Jean Garneret, who dedicated a significant part of his life to collecting and studying thousands of objects representative of the regional skills and traditions of the 19th and 20th centuries.
  69. 69

    Ua Huka

     Ua Huka
    For tourists planning to visit Ua Huka, the island is conveniently accessible by air. The island has its own airport, Ua Huka Airport, which facilitates easy travel to and from the island.