Musée patrimonial du Pays de Thônes
Municipal museum holding the “Musée de France” label, covering the history and heritage of the Pays de Thônes, from geology and prehistory to life in earlier times.
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About the museum
The museum was founded in 1937 by François Cochat, who brought in a substantial collection. Its official name also names Lucien Cochat as a founder. It is today a municipal museum holding the “Musée de France” label, housed in a historic building in the center of Thônes.
The route unfolds over three floors. It tells the story of the Pays de Thônes from its origins, covering geology, local fauna and prehistory, then local history and that of the Genevois, Savoy and France. It also explores the everyday life of the people of Thônes in the past: crafts, old trades, former manufactories, the firefighters' festival, religion, cheese-making and paintings.
The museum offers self-guided or guided visits. Interactive activities for younger visitors are held regularly.
Highlights
- Route over three floors, from geology and prehistory to local history
- Collections on old trades, crafts and former manufactories
- Folk arts and traditions, religious art and cheese-making
- Guided tours in French, English and German
- Playful and interactive activities for children
- Founded
- 1937
- Operated by
- Commune de Thônes
- Visitors per year
- approx. 3,143
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50Students |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 11 · Rate from age 12; free for children under 12. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50 |
| Groups | €4 per personRate per adult; €2 per child for children's groups. Groups of up to 50 people. |
2026 rates. Payment by check or cash.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is accessible by wheelchair with assistance and has an elevator. Public toilets and parking are nearby.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum holds the Famille Plus label. Playful and interactive activities for younger visitors take place regularly, for example a walk with games, stories and short videos on Wednesday, October 21 and 28, 2026.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
A bus station and a public transport stop are less than 500 m from the museum.
By car
Parking available
A parking lot is located near the museum.
The museum is located at 1 rue Blanche, in the center of Thônes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visits, available in French, English and German; guided group visits by reservation only. Activities and guided tours are held throughout the year. |
