Museums in France

Some 250 motorbikes are on show in this educational and enjoyable museum dedicated to the art of speed, from 19th century prototypes to futuristic racing machines. Housed in a renovated flour mill, the museum has four floors each devoted to a different period. Among the star exhibits are an experimental 1935 four cylinder MGC, equipped with an aeroplane engine, and a unique collection of Grand Prix racing bikes built by Jean and Henri Nougier between 1936 and 1971.

France 40 Vehicules is an association devoted to keeping those who fought at the 1940 Battle of France alive. This museum was opened in 2021 and it features military vehicles and associated objects.

Philippe Jaouen's collection of cars and memorabilia includes a 1937 Renault Vivastella, a LaLicorne, a Delage, a Citroen DS and a few British sportscars.

Photo: Le Telegramme

The Saumur Tank museum features a lot of different military vehicles, including naturally a lot of tanks, a few motorcycles and Jeeps as well.

This is the national technical museum and as such it displays a rather exceptional selection of artifacts, including Cugnot's surviving steam truck - the first self-propelled vehicle in the world.

On a 2000 m2 site there's an exhibition depicting the history of fire fighting in France. Exhibits include plenty of fire engines by Delahaye, Berliet, DeDion-Bouton et. al.

This museum which lies at the main entrance of the LeSarthe circuit depicts the history of the famous 24-hour LeMans Race.

Considered a jewel among motoring museums - the unique collection at the old Schlumpf Museum is one of the most prestigious automobile museums in the world! The Schlumpf brothers started collecting cars, especially Bugattis in the 1960s. In 1976 they escaped to Switzerland and their collection has been turned into a museum. It is known as the Cite de l'Automobile since 2006. The completely renovated museum offers an exceptional generation of 400 cars that tell the story of the European motor car: from the steam-driver Jacquot Break of 1878 to the Bugatti Veyron of today.

A range of museums with something for everyone: sweets, homemade nougat, Toys, N7 Museum, Santons (figurines), Bears/Dolls, automatons, electric trains, a real beehive, maple, etc. Badaboum indoor play area, small farm, playground, restaurant, picnic area. For fans of classic cars the N7 Museum, which pays tribute to the old National Road 7 (French version of Route 66) features a range of cars, trucks and motorcycles.

François Pigny's private collection of automobiles, mostly made in France. Rarities include a 1908 Brouhot.