Musée automobile de l'Aunis
Private automobile museum in Le Thou with around 110 historic cars from 1912 to 1994, motorcycles, enamel signs and vintage petrol pumps.
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About the museum
The Musée automobile de l’Aunis grew out of the private collection of Gilles Gaudissart, who began restoring old cars in 1991 with a Citroën Traction bought in poor condition. The collection was first shown in 2019 in Ciré d’Aunis, in about 1,000 m² of former workshops, which explains the museum’s earlier name.
As the site became too small, a purpose-built building was erected over almost three years. It opened in 2022 a few kilometres away in Le Thou, in the Fief Girard business park. The functional building of more than 3,000 m² has a large car park and step-free access.
The vehicles are displayed in double rows in chronological order: before 1930, from 1930 to 1950, and after 1950. Each car is accompanied by a bilingual information sheet in French and English. The museum presents around 110 cars from 1912 to 1994, about fifteen motorcycles, a fire truck, some pedal cars, enamel signs, vintage petrol pumps and automobilia, as well as a workshop. About ten cars awaiting restoration are shown in the centre of the hall.
Highlights
- Around 110 cars from 1912 to 1994
- Chronological route across three periods
- Motorcycles, fire truck and pedal cars
- Enamel signs and vintage petrol pumps
- Cars awaiting restoration and a workshop
Permanent exhibition
- Collection de voitures anciennes – Around 110 cars from 1912 to 1994, shown in chronological order, with motorcycles, enamel signs, petrol pumps and automobilia.
- Founded
- 2019
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
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| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free admission for children under 12. |
Adult admission is €10 according to a specialist directory (2024 season).
Accessibility
- 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
Step-free access from the large car park; accessible entrance for visitors with disabilities is signposted.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Large car park with around 100 spaces at the entrance, also used for classic vehicle gatherings.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Small shop and drinks at reception; shaded picnic area of 1,000 m²; restaurants less than 2 km away.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Each car comes with a bilingual information sheet in French and English. Groups of 15 or more and school groups book year-round. |
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