Moulin de Dannemois

About the museum

The Moulin de Dannemois, in the Essonne department, is a former mill whose origins go back to the Middle Ages. The singer Claude François discovered it in 1964 while looking for a quiet place to escape public life. He lived there and entertained his friends until his death on March 11, 1978, and spent many years transforming the estate through building work.

After his death, the property changed hands several times and gradually fell into disrepair. The Lescure family bought the mill at the end of the 1990s, restored it and returned the house, the park and the mill wheel to their original appearance, drawing on period documents and on testimonies from the singer's relatives.

The guided tour takes visitors through the “American house”, the artist's private wing, furnished in the style of the 1960s and 1970s with personal belongings. It then passes through an exhibition room of about 100 m² devoted to stage costumes and rare objects, and finally through the English garden the singer wanted. The estate also has a restaurant, a tearoom and a shop.

Highlights

• Claude François's American house, with his personal belongings
• Exhibition room of more than 100 m² with stage costumes
• English garden and mill park
• Guided and commented visit of about one hour
• Restaurant, tearoom and shop on site

Permanent exhibition

• Maison américaine et salle d'exposition – Guided tour of Claude François's private wing, furnished in the style of the 1960s and 1970s, followed by an exhibition room of about 100 m² with stage costumes and personal belongings.

Operated by

Famille Lescure (propriétaires)

Admission & discounts

Booking strongly recommended; management may give priority to people who bought their ticket on the website. Payment by bank card (from €25) or in cash.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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 route includes many steps inside and outside the buildings and long periods standing without the chance to sit down; it is difficult for people who walk with difficulty. The site is not suitable for strollers.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

The site is not suitable for strollers because of the visit route.

Getting there & parking

The website refers to RATP and SNCF transport services and lists taxi numbers.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant, tearoom and bar, souvenir shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The estate hosts receptions and events; groups, associations and works councils can obtain special rates and programmes.

Plan your visit