THE GUIDE MUSEUMS 2021


The Musée Bargoin combines the archaeology of the Auvergne with clothing and textiles from Africa, Asia and the Americas


Cézanne summed it up best when he said: “Keep good company… That is, go to the Louvre.” www.louvre.fr


Musée de Normandie Caen, Calvados Normandy’s heritage centre ticks all the boxes. Firstly, it’s housed in the illustrious Château de Caen, built in 1060 by William the Conqueror and today a worthy monument historique. Secondly, it explores a wealth of subjects from antiquity to artisanal crafts, and religion to relics. Over the summer there are guided tours of the castle, exhibitions on archaeology and hurdy-gurdy musical


instruments, and an introduction to medieval knights for kids. Something for everyone, then. www.musee-de-normandie.caen.fr


Musée Somme 1916 Albert, Somme


The Battle of the Somme cost one million lives. Ducking into


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the subterranean Musée Somme 1916 is a sobering experience for sure, only emphasised by the dark alcoves and trenches. But there’s also an element of intrigue and whimsy in these tunnels. The museum works exceptionally well as an educational day out: families can follow in the mud-laden footsteps of the soldiers, observe recreated scenes, and pore over the collection of helmets, uniforms and weapons before embarking on the Remembrance Trail. www.musee-somme-1916.eu


Musée Ingres Bourdelle Montauban, Tarn-et-Garonne A wealth of artistic exhibits are on display at this museum, right in the centre of Montauban, amassed over the years thanks to the generosity of collectors and artists, as well as works purchased by the town itself. Raphael and Hans Holbein the Younger are two of the more famous painters featured. The museum owes its name to two


prolific artists, both born in the city: the neoclassical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. Both gifted many works of art which now adorn the museum. This summer, there are temporary exhibitions featuring Ferdinand Philippe, Duke of Orléans, and contemporary French artist and photographer Georges Rousse. museeingresbourdelle.com


Musée Bargoin Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome There are two sections to Clermont-Ferrand’s Musée Bargoin – one dedicated to the archaeology of the local Auvergne region, and the other to clothing and textiles collected from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Highlights include a neolithic skeleton (the oldest ever unearthed in the Auvergne), a collection of ancient Gaulish vases and a bejewelled Yemeni marriage shawl from the early 20th


century. It’s all housed in a handsome neoclassical building in the centre of the city, dating back to 1903. www.clermontmetropole.eu


Musée Fabre Montpellier, Hérault


The Musée Fabre in Montpellier is one of Languedoc’s finest art galleries, offering some stunning works from the past 600 years. From August to October there’s an exhibition dedicated to post-war American abstract artists who based themselves in France, including Robert Breer, Ellsworth Kelly, Jack Youngerman, Joan Mitchell and Sam Francis. museefabre.montpellier3m.fr


CURIOUS Would you rather avoid the crowds? Even with social distancing, France’s classic museums and galleries can get a little busy. For a bit of space, try some of the more unorthodox (dare we say quirky?)


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IMAGE © LUDOVIC COMBE


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