Musée de l'automobile Henri-Malartre

About the museum

The Rochetaillée-sur-Saône château began in the 12th century as a fortified motte overlooking the Saône. It took on its Belle Époque appearance at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to architect Alexis Santu, who preserved medieval elements such as the tower. Henri Malartre, a scrap dealer specializing in automobiles, began his collection in 1931 by refusing to dismantle an 1898 Rochet-Schneider. A member of the Resistance, he was arrested and deported to Buchenwald in 1944.

He bought the château in 1959 to house his vehicles, and the museum opened on May 31, 1960; it welcomed 120,000 visitors in its first year alone. In 1972, to ensure the preservation of his collection, he sold it to the City of Lyon with the support of mayor Louis Pradel. Henri Malartre died in 2005, shortly before his hundredth birthday.

Today the museum houses around one hundred vehicles, along with bicycles, motorcycles and objects related to transport in Lyon. The château displays models dating from before 1910, while the halls showcase 20th-century cars, public transport and racing cars, in a 3-hectare park. An in-house workshop maintains and restores the vehicles.

Highlights

• Cars from Lyon marques: Berliet, Rochet-Schneider, Luc Court
• Vivastella of the Lumière brothers
• First car of the Fourvière funicular
• Armored 1942 Mercedes parade car attributed to Hitler
• Secretand steam tricycle of 1890
• The museum’s restoration workshop

Permanent exhibition

• Collections du château et des halls – The château displays vehicles from before 1910, motorcycles and bicycles; the halls show 20th-century cars, public transport and racing cars.

Founded

1960

Operated by

Ville de Lyon

Visitors per year

approx. 54,826

Admission & discounts

During the works (September 1 to December 31, 2026), only the château can be visited, at a rate of €4. Free with proof for job seekers and holders of the Lyon City Card, ICOM or ICOMOS cards. Payment by contactless card or cash (no €100 or €200 notes); holiday vouchers are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The route through the halls, the park and the introductory video are step-free, but the château does not yet have an elevator (installation planned in the coming years). Parking spaces are reserved near the buildings. Only guide dogs or assistance dogs are admitted. A tour in French Sign Language is offered.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

During the short school holidays, the museum offers tours, workshops and an activity booklet. The “Ça roule au musée” activity lets visitors take a ride around the park in a vehicle driven by a mechanic. Children’s birthday parties are possible.

Getting there & parking

Rue des Pêcheurs is closed for works; take rue de Trêve, then rue du Musée. Cars and trucks cannot pass through the old village. The final stretch is steep for cyclists.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The 3-hectare park has tables, benches and restrooms; picnicking is allowed. The museum is not air-conditioned and can get very hot in summer.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rental of the château and its wooded park, with the option of a museum visit or an exhibition of historic vehicles in the park. From €400.

Plan your visit