Musée Claude Bernard
Museum on the life and work of the physiologist Claude Bernard in his birthplace village in the Beaujolais, with an interactive trail and birth house.
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About the museum
The museum is located in Saint-Julien, the birthplace of Claude Bernard, a 19th-century scientist regarded as the father of modern medicine. It stands among the vineyards, in a manor house spread over three levels, surrounded by a wooded park. It is run by the Communauté d’agglomération Villefranche Beaujolais Saône, with the support of the Association Claude Bernard and the Amis du musée Claude Bernard.
The trail reveals the work, methods and philosophy of this researcher, who transformed medicine and biological research. Scientific instruments, costumes, portraits and personal objects engage in dialogue with holograms, virtual reality headsets and videos, making the visit accessible to both adults and children.
A few steps away, the birth house offers a re-creation of a winegrower’s house. It is open during major events and can also be visited by reservation. Each year, the museum explores a scientific theme in a temporary exhibition and offers workshops, lectures, concerts and detective games.
Highlights
- Interactive trail with holograms, virtual reality and videos
- Personal objects, instruments and portraits of Claude Bernard
- Re-created birth house as a winegrower’s home (by reservation)
- Wooded park among the vineyards
- Science workshops for ages 4–6 and 7–12
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent Claude Bernard – Life and work of Claude Bernard through instruments, costumes, portraits and personal objects, complemented by holograms, virtual reality and videos.
- Operated by
- Communauté d'agglomération Villefranche Beaujolais Saône
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free for children under 12. |
| Museum pass (one admission to the Musée Claude Bernard and one to the Musée du Prieuré) | €8 |
| Family workshop Mini-savants (ages 4–6, 45 minutes) | €4Online booking; free for accompanying adults. |
| Family workshop Labo des grands (ages 7–12, 1 hour) | €4Online booking; free for accompanying adults. |
| Lecture (according to programme) | €5Some lectures are free. |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month; European Heritage Days (September 19 and 20, 2026).
The detective game offered during some school holidays is included in the admission price; it is free for children under 12.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Science workshops for ages 4–6 (Mini-savants) and 7–12 (Labo des grands), detective games from age 8 during some school holidays, and interactive displays adapted for children.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Museum educators offer guided tours, including for school groups from nursery to lycée. The birth house can be visited by reservation, and during events together with the Friends of the Musée Claude Bernard association. |
