Musée de cire, La vie du Saint Curé d'Ars
Wax museum in Ars-sur-Formans that tells the life of Jean-Marie Vianney, the Curé d’Ars, through 35 wax figures made by the Grévin workshops.
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About the museum
The museum was founded in 1994 at the initiative of a resident of Ars-sur-Formans, Mr Boireaud. It is devoted to Jean-Marie Vianney, born in 1786 and died in 1859, parish priest of Ars. Local craftspeople created the sets, and the scenes follow the saint’s life from the age of three until his death in Ars, based on writings and testimonies.
The museum, designed by Grévin, presents 35 life-size wax figures in period settings made by the Grévin workshops. An introductory area places Jean-Marie Vianney in the historical and religious context of the Dombes, and a final room looks at the continuation of his work after his death.
Sound boxes recount key moments of his life and the effect of pilgrimage on the village. At the start of the visit, children can assemble a wooden model of the Basilica of Saint-Sixte to see how it has changed. The museum is a few metres from the Basilica of Ars.
Highlights
- 35 life-size wax figures
- Scenes from the life of Jean-Marie Vianney, from childhood to his death
- Sets made by local craftspeople
- Sound boxes on the key moments of his life
- Wooden model of the Basilica of Saint-Sixte for children
Permanent exhibition
- La vie du Saint Curé d'Ars – A route of life-size wax scenes following Jean-Marie Vianney from childhood to his death in Ars, with an introduction to the historical context and a final room on the continuation of his work.
- Founded
- 1994
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
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| Reduced | €5.50People over 65 from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region holding a Pass’Région, to be shown on arrival |
| Children & teens | €4Rate for ages 6 to 18. |
| Seniors | €5.50Over 65 with the Pass’Région. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4Rate for people with a disability. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5.50 per personAdult rate for groups of 10 or more; children €3.20, clergy €4. The whole group pays in a single payment. |
| Families | €20For 2 adults and 2 children over 6. |
| Clergy rate | €4 |
| Ambassador pass (residents of the communauté de communes) | €10Conditions available at the tourist office. |
| Guided tour of the village for groups of 10 or more (about 1 hour 30 minutes), on weekdays | €6.50€8.50 per person at weekends and on public holidays; supplement of €2 per person for a tour in a foreign language. For fewer than 10 people: flat fee of €65 on weekdays, €85 at weekends. Offered by the tourist office. |
Payment by cash, bank card or cheque.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €20 · For 2 adults and 2 children over 6. |
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- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The activity booklet “Sur les pas du saint curé : à toi de jouer !” about village life in the 19th century is available at the sanctuary reception and at the tourist office. Children can assemble a wooden model of the basilica at the start of the visit. Picnicking is possible on the lawn of the semi-sunken church.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
TER regional train (Dijon – Mâcon – Lyon line) to Villefranche-sur-Saône station, then the “car de l’Ain” bus, line A19, to Ars-sur-Formans. Line A19 also links Bourg-en-Bresse and Villefranche-sur-Saône; line 2 of the Saônibus network links Villefranche-sur-Saône and Saint-André-de-Corcy.
By car
Parking available
Three car parks: a tarmac car park at Place Freihalden, opposite the medical centre; an unpaved car park reached via the Chemin du Bois de la Dame; a tarmac car park in front of the lawn of the semi-sunken church, Rue Jean-Marie Vianney. A car park along the Chemin de la Percellière is reserved for coaches.
From Lyon: A6, exit 31-2 at Villefranche-sur-Saône, then towards Jassans-Riottier. From Paris: exit 31-1, then towards Bourg / Jassans-Riottier / Ars. Cycling access via the Voie bleue (Moselle–Saône) and via routes 17 or 5 of the Ain à vélo network.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop of the wax museum selling monastic crafts, local products and delicacies.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Sound boxes in the exhibition rooms. The village tour (1 hour 30 minutes) is offered to groups by the tourist office. |
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