Hôtel-Dieu et apothicairerie de Louhans
Former hospital from the 17th and 18th centuries in Louhans, with a historic apothecary known for its Hispano-Moresque earthenware; visited by guided tour only.
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About the museum
The Hôtel-Dieu of Louhans-Châteaurenaud was built in the 17th and 18th centuries from pink Préty stone to care for poor patients. The Hospitaller Sisters of the Order of Sainte-Marthe ran it until the hospital closed in 1977.
The apothecary is regarded by the city as one of the finest pharmacies in Europe. It holds a collection of lustered Hispano-Moresque earthenware from the 15th and 16th centuries, displayed in custom-made oak cases, along with chevrettes, albarelli and powder jars that still contain powders, dried plants and ointments.
In the former infirmary of the sisters, a medical cabinet set up in 2018 displays instruments from the 1930s and 1940s. The visit, guided only, lasts about one hour in unheated rooms.
Highlights
- Apothecary with 15th- and 16th-century Hispano-Moresque earthenware
- Chevrettes, albarelli and powder jars, some still filled
- Patients’ wards of the former hospital
- Medical cabinet with instruments from the 1930s and 1940s
- Guided tours only
Permanent exhibitions
- Apothicairerie de l'Hôtel-Dieu – Historic pharmacy with lustered Hispano-Moresque earthenware from the 15th and 16th centuries, chevrettes, albarelli and powder jars.
- Cabinet médical des années 1930-1940 – A cabinet set up in 2018 in the sisters’ former infirmary, with medical instruments from that era.
- Operated by
- Ville de Louhans-Châteaurenaud
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Ages 12 to 18, RSA recipients and job seekers |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 11 · Rate for ages 12 to 18; free for children under 12. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4.50 per personPrice per person for groups of 10 or more; groups aged 12 to 18: €2. Booking by phone or email. |
Free admission: European Heritage Days (free admission).
Holders of the regional Carte Avantages Jeunes get free admission (excluding themed tours and exceptional events). The “Chemins hospitaliers 2026” pass gives a reduced rate at partner Hôtels-Dieu. Payment by card, cash or check; holiday vouchers are not accepted.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only the ground-floor rooms are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; the restrooms and the apothecary are not. Animals are not admitted, except guide dogs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Family tours and workshops as part of the departmental “Aventures Mômes” program.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare de Louhans-Châteaurenaud
Louhans-Châteaurenaud train station
By car
Free parking
Several free car parks; the nearest is Place Sœur Madeleine Cordier.
From the station, follow the direction of the town center, then the “Hôtel-Dieu” signs. The site is about 5 minutes by bike from the Voie bressane; battery charging and a repair kit are available at reception.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Bicycle parking with battery charging and a repair kit at reception.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The visit is guided only and takes place indoors in an unheated building, which can be very cold at times: bring warm clothing. |