Musée de la batellerie et des voies navigables de Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

About the museum

The Musée de la batellerie opened in 1967 in the Château du Prieuré in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, at the confluence of the Seine and the Oise. The project was launched by journalist and writer Louise Weiss and led by ethnologist François Beaudouin, a student of Georges-Henri Rivière. The municipal council adopted the resolution establishing it on July 23, 1965.

The first collections were built through appeals to bargemen, field surveys, the study of publications and the analysis of old photographs. They include in particular scientific reconstructions, such as models of Loire boats. The first large diorama, devoted to the Dordogne, was later replaced by three others as research progressed.

Today the route is divided into thematic rooms: the gallery of curiosities, major technological developments, waterway engineering structures and river travel. The collections show the diversity of bargemen’s lives, the economic role of inland navigation and the principles of river architecture. The link between research and public outreach remains central, through temporary exhibitions and the Cahiers du musée.

Highlights

• The river armada: boats and models of inland navigation
• Rooms on the technological developments of inland boating
• Waterway engineering structures
• Collections on river travel
• Château du Prieuré with its 13th-century medieval cellar

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes de la batellerie – Rooms devoted to the curiosities of inland navigation, technological developments, waterway engineering structures and river travel.

Founded

1967

Admission & discounts

Free admission for children under 4, members of the Association des Amis du musée, school and after-school groups from Conflans and the city’s partners. Accepted: Pass Culture, Pass Navigo Culture, Pass Destination, Pass Yvelines +, Pass Patrimoine, the Terres de Seine cultural offer and the “Musée sur ordonnance” voucher.

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

The entire museum is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility, and all collections are accessible; the medieval cellar is not. Seat canes are available, along with numerous benches and an induction loop at reception. Visitors with a psychological disability can call reception in advance to avoid running into guided groups.

Kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

A downloadable logbook for children offers an active and playful visit.

Getting there & parking

By car: A13, exit Saint-Germain-en-Laye, then RN 184, or A15, exit Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, then RN 184. Pedestrian signage guides visitors from the Seine quays to the museum.

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