Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in France

The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, located in Lille, is a municipal museum that is dedicated to fine arts, modern art, and antiquities. It is recognized as one of the largest art museums in France, making it a significant cultural destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Unterlinden Museum, situated in the Alsace region of France, is a unique blend of history and art. It is housed in a 13th-century Dominican religious sisters' convent and a 1906 former public baths building. This combination of historical architecture provides a unique backdrop for the museum's extensive collection of artworks and artifacts.

The musée Fesch, officially known as Palais Fesch-musée des beaux-arts, is the primary museum of fine arts in Ajaccio, Corsica. It is situated within the gated Palais Fesch in the Borgu d'Ajaccio quarter of the town. The museum was established by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, an uncle of Napoleon I and a Prince of France from 1807. The museum is housed in the 19th-century Palais Fesch on Rue Cardinal Fesch.

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.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, which was reopened in 2017 as the Musée d’Arts de Nantes, is a renowned French museum situated in the heart of Nantes, in the Pays de la Loire region. This museum showcases art from the 13th century to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview of various art periods and styles.

The Musée de l'Armée (the Army Museum) in paris is located in the Cathédrale de Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which is part of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris. Its historical military collection comprises more than 500,000 objects from the Middle Ages to modern times, including pieces like photos, pai

The Musée du Petit Palais is a museum and art gallery located in Avignon, a city in southern France. The museum was inaugurated in 1976 and has since been a significant cultural landmark in the region.

The Historical Museum of Strasbourg, located in a Renaissance building that was once a slaughterhouse, is dedicated to showcasing the city's history. The museum's exhibits span from the early Middle Ages to the contemporary period, providing a comprehensive view of Strasbourg's past. Visitors can expect to learn about the city's political, economic, and social history through a variety of exhibits.

The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame, also known as Frauenhausmuseum in German, is a renowned museum in the city of Strasbourg. It is dedicated to Upper Rhenish fine arts and decorative arts, with collections dating from the early Middle Ages until 1681. The museum is a significant cultural institution that offers a deep dive into the region's artistic history.

The Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux, located in the commune of Prudhomat in the Lot département of France, is a significant historical monument. Recognized by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862, the castle stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the region. Visitors to the castle can appreciate its historical significance and the role it played in the history of France.

The Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, located in Dijon, is a remarkable example of preserved architecture. The oldest parts of the palace date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, showcasing the Gothic style of the period. These include the ducal palace, the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, and various other structures such as the ducal kitchens and the tour de Philippe le Bon.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg, located in the Alsace region of France, is the city's collection of old master paintings. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles. It provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich artistic heritage of Strasbourg and the surrounding region.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Tours is housed in the city's old bishop's palace, which is a classified historical monument. This central location, near the cathedral, makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Baron Gérard, located in Bayeux in the French department of Calvados, is a museum of art and history. It is housed in the Palais épiscopal de Bayeux, the former palace of the Bishops of Bayeux. This location adds a historical and architectural dimension to the museum, making it a unique place to explore both art and history.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, opened in 1787, is one of the main and oldest museums in France. Located in Dijon, this museum of fine arts holds a significant place in the country's cultural heritage.

The Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes is a municipal museum located in Rennes, the capital of Brittany in France. It is one of the most significant museums outside of Paris, with a wide range of collections from ancient Egypt antiquities to Modern art.

The Abbey of Saint-Loup was not only a religious center but also a hub of intellectual activity. It developed a renowned library and a scriptorium, contributing significantly to the literary culture of the time. The famous poet Chrétien de Troyes is believed to have been a distinguished guest of this abbey, further enhancing its cultural significance.

The Louvre-Lens is an art museum located in the northern French city of Lens. Opened in 2012, it serves as a branch of the renowned Paris Louvre. The museum showcases a wide range of artworks from all departments of the Paris Louvre, spanning from the 3rd millennium BC to 1850. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of art from different periods and cultures.

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.

The Bayeux Tapestry is a significant historical artifact, measuring half a meter in height and 70 meters in length. It is an embroidered cloth that vividly illustrates the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This monumental piece of art provides a detailed narrative of a pivotal moment in history, making it a fascinating exhibit for visitors interested in history and art.

The Château d'Asnières is a historic stately home located at 89 rue du Château in the town of Asnières-sur-Seine, in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France. This grand estate, which was one of the finest near Paris in the mid-18th century, showcases the artistic ambitions of its former owner, Marc-René d'Argenson, marquis de Voyer. He commissioned some of the best artists and craftsmen of his time to work on the building, resulting in a magnificent architectural masterpiece.

The Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte de Troyes, once a hôtel-Dieu, now serves as the home for the Musée de l'Apothicairerie and the Cité du Vitrail de Troyes. This historic building, located in Troyes, France, has been repurposed to house these two significant cultural institutions. The Musée de l'Apothicairerie is a museum dedicated to the history of pharmacy and medicine, while the Cité du Vitrail de Troyes is a center dedicated to the art and history of stained glass.

The Mont-de-Piété Museum, established in 1953, is located in the historic town of Bergues in Northern France. The museum is housed in the former Mont-de-Piété, a building with a rich history dating back to 1630. The building was designed by Wenceslas Cobergher, a renowned architect of the time. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore this historic building while enjoying its extensive collection of art and natural history.

The Cabinet des estampes et dessins, also known as the Grafikkabinett, is a significant part of Strasbourg's cultural heritage. It houses the city's graphic collection, which includes drawings, woodcuts, copper engravings, and lithographs dating from around 1400 to 1870. The museum is located in close proximity to the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city's rich art scene.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges is an art and cultural history museum situated in the French city of Limoges, within the Haute-Vienne department. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a deep dive into the rich art and cultural history of the area.

The Musée Dobrée is situated in the Graslin district of Nantes, a location that is conveniently close to the city's Natural History Museum. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists who are interested in exploring multiple cultural and historical sites during their visit to Nantes.

The Musée de la Chartreuse, located in Douai, France, is an art museum housed in a former Carthusian monastery. This unique setting provides a historical backdrop to the museum's extensive collection of art, adding an extra layer of interest for visitors.

Arkéos Archaeological Museum and Park, situated in the towns of Douai and Râches on the right bank of the Scarpe, has been welcoming visitors since June 21, 2014. The museum offers a journey through time, exploring 200,000 years of history and the lives of men and women who have lived in the region from prehistoric times to the present day.

The Museum of Fine Arts in La Rochelle is a museum dedicated to fine arts. It is located in the city of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime region of France. The museum is part of the arts and history museums of La Rochelle, offering a rich collection of artworks for visitors to explore.

The Musée des Augustins is a fine arts museum in Toulouse. The museum holds a collection of sculpture and paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. The paintings find their origin throughout France, the sculptures represent the Occitan culture of the region with many Romanesque sculp

The Museum of Sacred Art in Dijon, a municipal museum dedicated to Catholic sacred art, was inaugurated in 1980. It is located within the Sainte-Anne Church of Dijon and was established by Canon Jean Marilier. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Catholic sacred art.

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 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.

The Mikvé of Montpellier is a significant historical site, located in the heart of the city's old Jewish quarter. This medieval building was used for Jewish ritual baths, a practice integral to Jewish religious and social life. The Mikvé offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich Jewish history and the architectural practices of the time.

The Musée d'Opale Sud is an artistic and historical museum located in Berck, in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. It is part of the network of museums in the Montreuillois region, which includes museums in the cities of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Étaples, Montreuil, and Berck. The museum was established in March 1979 in the former gendarmerie and expanded in 2002 with a new construction at the back of the building. It is located at 60, rue de l'Impératrice, 300 meters from the beach and is accessible to all audiences.

The Earthenware and Fine Arts Museum, also known as the Earthenware Museum of Nevers, is a French museum located in Nevers, in the Nièvre region. The museum's primary focus is on earthenware and painting, offering visitors a unique insight into these art forms. It is an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nevers.

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.

Musée Saint-Raymond is an archeological museum in Toulouse situated on a site that once was a necropolis and housed in the former Saint-Raymond university college from the 16th century. The museum holds a collection of objects from protohistory to the early Middle Ages, mainly from the Celtic, Roma

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 Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is an art museum situated in the French city of Bordeaux, within the Gironde department. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections.

The Beaune Museum of Fine Arts, also known as MBAB, is situated at Porte Marie-de-Bourgogne, 6 Bd Perpreuil and 19 rue Poterne in the city of Beaune. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region through its art collections.

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.

The Musée des Monuments Français is a museum in Paris that is housed in the Palais de Chaillot, an Art Deco palace that was built on the same spot where a similar palace already stood before. The original palace was built for the World's Fair 1878 while the present-day one was built for the EXPO 193

The Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Agen is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Agen, in the Lot-et-Garonne department of France. The museum was established by the Société académique d’Agen, a scholarly society, in the year 1776 and was officially opened to the public in 1836.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Morlaix, also known as the Musée des Jacobins, is a museum located in the city of Morlaix in the Finistère region of Brittany. This museum is housed in a former Jacobin convent dating back to the 13th century, which was confiscated during the French Revolution. The museum was opened in 1887 and has been a significant cultural institution in the region ever since.

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 Fine Arts Museum of Nimes is an art gallery situated in the French city of Nimes, within the Occitania region. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of artworks from various periods and regions.

The Musée-Parc Archéologique Arkéos is a museum and park located in the communes of Douai and Râches, situated on the right bank of the Scarpe. The museum has been open to the public since June 21, 2014, offering visitors a chance to explore archaeological exhibits and reconstructed medieval habitats.

The Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux is a sacred art museum situated in Châlons-en-Champagne, a city in northeastern France. It is specifically located on Nicolas Durand street. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of sacred art pieces.

Musée Prieuré du Vieux Logis is a museum in Nice where visitors can explore what life was like in the Middle Ages in a noble family of the Mediterranean. The museum is housed inside this former villa.

The Elne cloister is a significant medieval monument situated in the French city of Elne, within the Eastern Pyrenees region. Historically, it served as the residence for the cathedral's canons, making it a site of religious and historical importance.

The Museum of Fine Arts of Vannes, also known as the Cohue Museum, is a significant cultural institution in the city of Vannes, located in the Brittany region of France. Established in 1982, it is one of the city's museums and is recognized for its collection of paintings and engravings. The museum is housed in a building that has been listed as a historical monument since 1929 and is labeled as a 'Museum of France'.

The Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology in Châlons-en-Champagne is a significant cultural institution in France. Established in 1794, it is located at Place Godart. The museum was initially created to house the movable properties of emigrants and religious houses. Over the years, it has grown to become a repository of fine arts and archaeological artifacts, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts.

After a period of six and a half years of closure for renovation, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Draguignan reopened its doors on November 16, 2023. The renovation has enhanced the museum's facilities and exhibits, providing an improved experience for visitors.

The Museum of Art and History, previously known as the Museum of Fine Arts, is situated in the Jean Lurçat Cultural Center in Saint-Lô. This museum is home to a significant collection of paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, some of which come from various donations. The museum also houses historical pieces such as the Thorigny marble, tapestries of Gombault and Macée's loves, a lapidary from the Notre-Dame church, and a 15th-century monetary treasure.

The Arras Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1795, is housed in the former Saint-Vaast Abbey in Arras, Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France. This historic location adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts et des Arts décoratifs de Mirande is a museum located in the town of Mirande, in the Gers department of France. It showcases a diverse range of artworks, including paintings from French, Italian, and Dutch schools. In addition to these, the museum also houses collections of ceramics and faience from the South-West of France. These collections provide a comprehensive overview of the artistic heritage of these regions, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts.

The Lastours Castle is a significant historical site located in the commune of Rilhac-Lastours in Haute-Vienne, France. It is situated in the country of feuillardiers, amidst the mountains of Châlus, and is accessible via the Richard-Cœur-de-Lion route. The castle's strategic location between Limousin and Périgord adds to its historical significance.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes is a fine arts museum located in the French city of Valenciennes. It was established in 1801 and is housed in a building that dates back to 1909. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city and offers a rich collection of fine arts for visitors to explore.