Industrial & heritage museums in France

Les Machines de l’île is an exhibition project located in Nantes, France. It displays the mechanical creations of the performance group 'La Machine' in an exhibition hall situated in the port of Nantes. The project was founded by François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice and was inaugurated in 2007 in a large warehouse in the Loire port on the l’Ile de Nantes.

La Halle de La Machine is a unique venue situated in the Montaudran district of Toulouse. It is home to the Nantes company, La Machine, which stores a collection of small and giant animated machines. These machines are often inspired by various themes such as nature, the world of aeronautics, and human or technological epics. This makes it a fascinating place for visitors interested in these themes.

The Bordeaux Submarine Base was designed to accommodate up to 30 submarines. It featured dry docks and two basins connected by locks. This impressive infrastructure showcases the strategic importance of the base during the war and provides a unique insight into the naval operations of the time.

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.

The Musée National de l’Automobile - Collection Schlumpf in Mulhouse, France, is recognized as the world's largest car collection. It boasts an impressive array of 500 cars from 98 different brands, spanning from the year 1878 to the present day. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the automobile industry.

Learn about the way paper was produced in the 15th century. There is a museum and you can buy artisan paper and souvenirs in the gift shop.

The Pavillon du Verdurier is a significant monument located in the city center of Limoges. It is conveniently situated near the Gay-Lussac high school, making it easily accessible for visitors. This historical structure has served various purposes over the years, reflecting the city's rich history and evolution.

The Cité du Train, situated in Mulhouse, France, is recognized as one of the ten largest railway museums globally. This museum is a testament to the rich history and evolution of railway technology, making it a significant destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Since 1988, the Maillé-Brézé has been a museum ship docked at the Fosse quay in the port of Nantes. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1991, making it a significant part of the city's cultural heritage.

The Delloye pit, also known as Joseph Delloye, was once a coal mine operated by the Aniche Mining Company. Located in the Nord Pas de Calais mining basin in Lewarde, this site has a rich history. After being closed for fourteen years, it was transformed into the Lewarde Mining History Centre. This transformation has allowed visitors to explore the history of mining in the region and understand the importance of this industry in the past.

The Musée de Vauluisant, also known as the Museum of Hosiery, is a museum located in Troyes, France. It is dedicated to the art of Troyes from the 16th century and the hosiery industry. The museum is housed in the Vauluisant Mansion, which is a classified historical monument. The museum offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Troyes, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in art, history, and industry.

The Hôtel de Mauroy is a private mansion situated in Troyes, France. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1862. This recognition highlights the building's historical significance and architectural beauty, making it a point of interest for tourists who appreciate history and architecture.

La Piscine-Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent, also known as La Piscine or Musée André Diligent, is a unique museum located in the northern French city of Roubaix. The museum is housed in a converted 1920s swimming pool, providing a unique setting for its exhibits.

The Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk is a unique blend of maritime and societal history, housed in a building that dates back to 1868. This building, known as the Bourdon store, was once a tobacco warehouse, adding a layer of historical significance to the museum's location.

The European Museum of Bell and Belfry Arts, located in L'Isle-Jourdain, Gers, was inaugurated on December 16, 1994. The inauguration was under the patronage of François Mitterrand, the then President of the Republic, and was blessed by Pope John Paul II. The event was also attended by Protestant authorities from the Midi-Pyrénées region.

The Musée du Compagnonnage is a municipal museum situated in the city of Tours. It is located to the north of the rue Nationale, a significant street in the city. This museum is a part of the city's rich cultural heritage and offers a unique insight into the history and craftsmanship of the region.

The Maritime, Fluvial and Harbour Museum of Rouen is an associative museum that offers a comprehensive history of the port of Rouen and navigation in general. It provides an in-depth look into the maritime and river navigation, making it an ideal destination for those interested in maritime history and culture.

The Musée des arts et métiers (Museum of arts and professions) is a museum in Paris that houses the collection of the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, which was founded in 1794. The museum has a collection of more than 80,000 objects, of which 40,000 are exhibited in the museum, including

The Rum Museum of Sainte-Rose, located in Guadeloupe, France, offers an in-depth explanation of the manufacturing process and cycles of rum. Visitors can gain a comprehensive understanding of how this popular spirit is produced, from the initial stages to the final product.

Le MAGASIN – Centre National d’Arts et de Cultures (CNAC) is a contemporary art museum located in Grenoble. The museum was opened in 1986 and has since been a hub for modern and contemporary art and culture.

The Museum of Time in Besançon is a unique institution that combines history and horology. It is situated in Besançon, a city renowned as the capital of watchmaking. The museum is located in the Doubs department, within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. This location adds to the museum's significance, as it is nestled in a region with a rich history of timekeeping and watchmaking.

The Textile and Fashion Museum of Cholet is a cultural establishment located in the city of Cholet in Maine-et-Loire. It is recognized as a "Museum of France", a label that signifies its importance and contribution to the cultural heritage of the country. The museum traces the history of the textile industry and its techniques, serving as a memory of a territory marked by the presence of textile activity.

The Living Museum of Railway is a unique destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Managed by the Association of Young People for the Maintenance and Conservation of Old Trains (AJECTA), the museum is situated in the old locomotive depot of Longueville, near the SNCF station. This location is in the Seine et Marne department, in the Île-de-France region, making it easily accessible for visitors from Paris and the surrounding areas.

The Espace des Sciences is a center for scientific, technical and industrial culture, also known as CCSTI, which was established in 1984. It is a place where visitors can learn about various scientific, technical and industrial topics through interactive exhibits and displays.

The LAAC (Lieu d'art et action contemporaine) is a contemporary art museum located in Dunkirk. It is surrounded by a picturesque sculpture park and presents art from the period between 1940 and 1980. This museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in contemporary art and want to enjoy a peaceful walk in a beautiful park.

Entrance is free and definitely recommended. Another superb manufacture of the drink of the pirates is open for you to discover.

The Maritime Museum of La Rochelle is a unique floating museum situated in the trawler basin of the Old Port. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore three different ships, each with its own rich history and significance. In addition to the ships, the museum also has two sections on land that host a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions provide further insight into maritime history and culture, making the museum a comprehensive destination for those interested in seafaring.

La Casemate, located in Grenoble, France, is a center for scientific, technical, and industrial culture (CCSTI). It is situated near the Porte Saint-Laurent, making it easily accessible for tourists. The center offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of science and technology in an engaging and interactive environment.

The Ecomuseum of Saint-Nazaire is situated on the autonomous port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, facing the Chantiers de l'Atlantique. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the maritime history of the region. The museum's location also allows for easy access for tourists visiting the area.

The Pavillon de Vendôme is a historical monument located in Clichy, in the Hauts-de-Seine department. This 17th-century pleasure house is situated at 7 rue du Landy and has been recognized as a historical monument since June 27, 1983. This recognition highlights the historical and architectural significance of the building, making it a point of interest for tourists interested in history and architecture.

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

The Electropolis Museum, located in the Dornach district of Mulhouse, is a significant destination for those interested in the history of electricity and household appliances. As the largest museum in Europe dedicated to these topics, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of electricity, from its earliest discoveries to its modern applications in everyday life.

The Museum of Textiles in Labastide-Rouairoux is a unique destination that offers a deep dive into the history and techniques of the textile industry in the Thoré valley. Located in the southeast of the Tarn department in the Occitanie region, the museum is a testament to the region's rich industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the evolution of the textile industry and gain insights into the techniques that have been used over the years.

The Musée de la Mine is a unique museum located in Cagnac-les-Mines, in the Tarn region of Occitanie. The museum is situated on the site of the former Campgrand mine shaft, which was part of the Carmaux coal basin. This location gives visitors a unique insight into the history and workings of the mining industry in this region.

The Phosphatière du Cloup d'Aural is a historical site located in the municipality of Bach, in the Lot department. This site was once an open-air phosphate mine. It offers a unique glimpse into the mining history of the region and the importance of phosphate in agriculture and paleontology.

The Rosny-Rail is a railway museum situated at the Rosny-sous-Bois station in Seine-Saint-Denis. The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of various themes related to the history of railways, including tracks, signaling, rolling stock, and more. It provides a thematic and chronological breakdown of significant railway functions from the late 19th century to the present day.

The Musée des Moulins, also referred to as Molenmuseum in Dutch, is a museum situated in the Cousinerie district of Villeneuve-d'Ascq. This museum is dedicated to the art and history of milling. It is managed by the Regional Association of Friends of Mills (ARAM), a group dedicated to the preservation and promotion of milling history and technology.

La Manufacture, also known as the Museum of Memory and Textile Creation, is a museum located in Roubaix. It showcases collections that are related to the textile industry. These collections include various tools and machines that were used in the industry, many of which are regularly demonstrated. The museum also features testimonies from textile workers, providing a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who worked in the industry.

Maison des Canuts (The House of the Canuts) is a museum in Lyon that collects and exhibits traces of Lyon's industrial development based on silk produce. The House of Canuts offers guided tours with demonstration of weaving on a loom. During guided tours, the history of Lyon silk from 1536 until tod

The Baggage Museum is situated in the charming town of Haguenau, in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for tourists interested in the history of travel and luggage.

The Musée Régional des Télécommunications et de la Radio is a museum located in Marcq-en-Barœul, a city in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. The museum is dedicated to the history and evolution of telecommunications, providing a unique insight into the development of this crucial aspect of modern life.

The Musée de la Cour des Potiers is situated in the quaint town of Ferrière-la-Petite, in the Nord region of France. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the region's rich pottery heritage. The museum is easily accessible and provides an enriching experience for those interested in art, history, and craftsmanship.

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.

L'Aventure Michelin is a museum located in the city of Clermont-Ferrand. It offers a comprehensive insight into the history of the French company Michelin. The museum traces the development of the use of rubber for tires for various vehicles, starting from the company's inception in 1889.

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 Radiomuseum, known in French as Musée de la Radio, is situated in the municipality of Boeschepe, within the French Nord department. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of radio technology.

The Paris Sewers Museum (Musée des égouts de Paris) features an exhibitions about the history of Parisian sewers, the role of sewer workers, the sanitation process and other topics related to the sewers. The sewers themselves are still in use. This exhibition is for people who can tolerate unpleasan

Dubuc Castle, originally a colonial mansion, is located in Tartane, a village in the commune of La Trinité in Martinique. This historical site, now in ruins, was built in the early 18th century around a sugar plantation worked by slaves. It offers a glimpse into the colonial history of the region and the sugar industry that once thrived there.

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 Musée des Bois Jolis is situated in the town of Felleries, in the Nord department of France. This location is important for tourists to know as it helps them plan their visit accordingly.

The Musée des Plans-Reliefs is a museum that is housed in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, dedicated to military models. The Musée des Plans-Reliefs exhibits almost 30 plans-reliefs of fortifications along the English Channel, the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and the Pyrenees. Furthermore it

The Salt Marsh Museum, located in Batz-sur-Mer in Loire-Atlantique, is a French museum that is dedicated to the history of Guérande salt. This museum provides an in-depth look into the salt production process and the historical significance of salt in the region.

The Moulin de la Mousquère is a significant historical site located in the commune of Sailhan, in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of the Occitanie region. This hydraulic mill is a testament to the region's rich history and its reliance on natural resources. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to learn about the traditional methods of milling.

In the Soierie Vivante museum, visitors can visit the workshop to learn more about weaving techniques and experience the technique of weaving by themselves.

The Moulin-musée Wintenberger is a museum located in the town of Frévent, on the banks of the Canche. It is dedicated to preserving the agricultural memory of Ternois. The museum is a part of the town's heritage and offers a glimpse into the agricultural history of the region.

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.

The Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie is situated in Méru, in the southern part of the Oise department in the Hauts de France region. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and craft of mother-of-pearl and tablet making. The region was once a hub for this craft, and the museum aims to keep this tradition alive.

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

The Moulin de la Bruère is a historical mill that was constructed on the Loir river in the 14th century. It is situated near the town of La Flèche in the Sarthe department of France. This mill is a significant part of the region's history and offers a glimpse into the past.

The Monnaie de Paris is the national French mint. The actual production of the coins does however not take place here, but takes places in Pessac, where since 1998 the Euro is also coined. In addition to the head office, the Hôtel de la Monnaie also houses an extensive numismatic collection, the Mus

The Aeronautics and Space Museum Safran is a private museum dedicated to aeronautics, located in Réau, a town in the Melun agglomeration in France. The museum showcases a collection of aircraft engines, tracing the history of aviation from its origins to the present day. The engines on display were produced by various French engine manufacturers, such as Gnome and Rhône, and Snecma, which are now represented by the French group Safran, the creator and manager of the museum.

The Pavillon de l'eau is a museum in paris that is devoted to water with a permanent exhibition about the water supply of Paris and its history from Roman aqueducts to the present. Paris has experienced four periods of production and distribution of water: The Roman age, the Middle Ages, the Modern

The Musée des Arts et Métiers Traditionnels is situated in Salles-la-Source, a charming town in the Aveyron department of the Occitanie region in France. The museum is housed in a former woolen cloth mill dating back to the 1830s, which is noted for its remarkable architecture. This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's collections, adding an extra layer of interest for visitors.

The Artillery Museum, situated at the Military Schools of Draguignan in Var, France, offers a comprehensive look into the technical and tactical evolution of French artillery. The museum's collections include cannons, ammunition, individual weapons, and uniforms, as well as detailed reconstructions. These exhibits span from the Middle Ages to the present day, providing a thorough historical overview for visitors.

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.

The Museum of Hydraviation is situated in the scenic town of Biscarrosse, nestled in the French department of Landes. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of seaplanes while also enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

The Filature des Calquières is an industrial museum located in Langogne, in the French department of Lozère. It houses unique machines from 1850 that are used to process wool. This museum offers a unique opportunity to witness the workings of these historical machines, providing a glimpse into the industrial past of the region.

The Aristide-Bergès Museum, located in Lorp-Sentaraille, France, is a unique institution dedicated to the exploration and celebration of paper, graphic arts, and printing. Visitors can expect to delve into the rich history and intricate processes of paper production, as well as the evolution of graphic arts and printing techniques. The museum offers a comprehensive look at these industries, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in art, history, and manufacturing.

The Plaster Museum, located in Cormeilles-en-Parisis, serves as a hub for information and resources on plaster and construction materials. It boasts a diverse collection, a library, an archive fund, and an iconography. These resources cover a wide range of themes including geology around gypsum, the history of plaster companies and territories, plaster crafts and arts, molding and sculpture, and the workshop fund of the sculptor Boulogne.

The Musée des tramways à vapeur et des chemins de fer secondaires français (MTVS) is situated next to the Valmondois railway station in the quaint town of Butry-sur-Oise, in the Val-d'Oise department, approximately 30 kilometres north of Paris. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the French capital.

The Musée des Évolutions Jean-Vaillant is a museum located in Bousies, a commune in the Nord department of northern France. The museum was opened in 1993 by its curator, Jean Vaillant. It is housed in a 16th-century farm building that was saved from destruction and subsequently restored.

The Musée de la céramique architecturale d'Auneuil, situated in the Oise department of the Hauts-de-France region, was founded in 1885. Its primary purpose was to showcase the ceramic collections produced by the Boulenger factory. This museum offers a unique insight into the history and craftsmanship of architectural ceramics in the region.

La Maison de la Pêche is a museum situated in the picturesque town of La Turballe, nestled in the French department of Loire-Atlantique. This location offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich maritime history of the region while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

Learn about many kinds of clocks from antique times until today. There are thousands of exemplars to admire here.

The Perfume museum Paris Fragonard is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to perfume and shows the manufacturing process from raw materials to harvesting, extraction, distillation, formulation, industrialization and bottling together with the creative process and work of the master “noses”. Furtherm

Explore various rocks and fossils that can be found in the nature around. This geologic museum presents Briançon's mines, artefacts and more.

The phonograph is the first consumer product to have entered homes before radio and electricity. Today, the music industry is ubiquitous in our lives through television, radio, download sites, records and music broadcasting in most public places. In Paris, the Phono Museum illustrates the different

Observatoire de Marseille (The Marseille Observatory) is a professional astronomical observatory located in Marseille, whose origin dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. The 80 cm telescope by Léon Foucault is the highlight of the instrumental heritage of the Marseille Observatory. A perm

Le Musée de la Moto in Marseille (Museum of the Moto of Marseille) is housed in old restored mill that is dedicated to the history of the motorcycle, from its origin in 1885, to the present day. The museum is chronologically divided into 4 floors that illustrate the evolution of technology over a c

La Mine Bleue is an industrial tourist site located in the town of Noyant-la-Gravoyère, in the Maine-et-Loire region of Anjou. The site is situated on the former Gatelière slate quarries, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's industrial past.

The Silk Museum, located in the charming town of Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, is dedicated to the theme of sericulture in Cévennes. This museum provides a deep dive into the history and process of silk production, making it an interesting visit for those curious about the region's past and its connection to the silk industry.