Musée de l'eau de Pont-en-Royans
Water museum in a former silk mill on the banks of the Bourne, currently closed for complete renovation until 2029.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Musée de l'eau opened on July 1, 2002. The project was launched in 1997 by the commune of Pont-en-Royans and then taken over by the Communauté de communes de la Bourne à l'Isère, which invested about €6 million in it. In 2002 the museum received the status of an industrial and commercial public institution (établissement public industriel et commercial).
The site was used from the 13th century to the late 20th century: first as a convent, then as a silk mill and finally as an electrical switchgear factory, which closed at the end of the 1980s. The architect Andrea Bruno designed a contemporary building of about 4,000 m² for the site, a construction that took five years.
The route devoted to water in all its forms begins with an entrance shaped like a penstock. It includes an image shaft, a climate corridor that passes through polar, temperate and tropical climates, a footbridge over the Bourne, a dome with a weather quiz, a model room, a water bar and a projection room.
From October 1, 2026, the museum section is closed for complete renovation, with reopening announced for 2029. The site's hotel and restaurant remain open.
Highlights
- Route devoted to water in all its forms
- Climate corridor through polar, temperate and tropical climates
- Footbridge over the Bourne
- Water bar with water tastings
- Building by the architect Andrea Bruno in a former silk mill
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent du Musée de l'Eau – The route, currently closed for renovation, presents water in all its forms, with a climate corridor, a footbridge over the Bourne, films and a water bar.
- Founded
- 2002
Admission & discounts
The museum is closed for renovation until 2029.
Accessibility
The museum is closed for renovation until 2029.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Families could visit independently with an activity booklet to print, sent out by the museum.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
A more accessible car park is near the commune's HLM social housing, 15 to 20 minutes' walk from the museum.
Coaches can stop in front of the museum, but turning around can be difficult.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Three-star hotel and restaurant on site, water bar (tastings by reservation), online shop and shop open in the afternoons. Outdoor terrace with more than 120 covers.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Seminar rooms and a large outdoor terrace; tailor-made packages for groups, by the day or with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Before the closure, a full visit took about 2 hours for school groups. A visit with a mediator was possible depending on availability. For schools and leisure centres from primary to lower secondary, the programme included the route, films and a water tasting. Educational activities continue during the works. |
