Musée des Dentelles et Broderies de Caudry
Museum housed in a lace factory dating from 1898 in Caudry, with a working Leavers loom, dresses and lace samples.
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About the museum
The museum is devoted to the lace heritage and textile arts of the Caudrésis. It presents itself as a museum of society and fashion, open to contemporary creation. Caudry is one of the last major French lace centres still in operation.
It occupies the former lace factory of Théophile and Jean-Baptiste Carpentier, built in 1898. The building is typical of late 19th-century industrial architecture: brick, a cheap material, was fired on site; the metal framework remains visible beneath the vaulted ceilings, and large metal windows let in the natural light needed for working the threads.
The technical collection illustrates the production chain of lace on the wide Leavers looms, a speciality of Caudry. The textile collection consists mainly of samples and dresses in Caudry and regional lace and embroidery. Re-embroidery of lace, by machine or by hand, a technique specific to the local industry, is also represented. Donations from private individuals, companies and designers regularly enrich the collections.
Highlights
- 19th-century Leavers loom in operation, demonstrated by a former tulle weaver
- Dresses in lace and re-embroidered lace
- Introductory film on the history of lace in Caudry
- Former 1898 lace factory in brick and metal framework
- Shop with Leavers lace made in Caudry
Permanent exhibition
- Visite par un tulliste du savoir-faire – A former professional operates the Leavers loom and explains the stages of lace-making, after an introductory film.
- Visitors per year
- approx. 14,289
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Free up to age 16 when accompanied by an adult. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €2.30 per personRate per person. |
Free admission for residents of Caudry on presentation of proof; they receive a pass. Payment by bank card or cash.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Kids’ birthday parties
A treasure hunt is available at reception for children up to age 12, and a puzzle booklet from age 7. Educational workshops by reservation for children from age 5, accompanied by an adult, free after payment of admission. Birthday parties can be held on Wednesdays and during school holidays for €3 per child; parents bring the cake.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Hôtel de ville
SNCF station about 20 minutes on foot. “Hôtel de ville” bus stop: lines 806/806S (Cambrai), 801/846 (Le Cateau-Cambrésis), 803/803S (Famars, Université), 847 (Villers-Outreaux) and 849 (Avesnes-les-Aubert).
By car
Parking available
Parking nearby. On Friday mornings (market) and during the November funfair, the museum invites visitors to park in the car park of the Ateliers Culturels de Caudry, about a 10-minute walk away.
By car via the RN43, between Cambrai (17 km) and Le Cateau-Cambrésis (10 km). Electric vehicle charging: 2 type 2 points at 15 rue Fernand Beauvillain and 6 rapid charging points on boulevard du 8 Mai 1945.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with items in Leavers lace made in Caudry, designer jewellery, haberdashery and postcards.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit begins with a film on the history of lace in Caudry, followed by a demonstration of the Leavers loom by a former professional (30 minutes, every day except Tuesday). The visit then continues freely on the ground floor and the first floor. The full visit takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Groups of 15 or more receive a free guide by reservation. |
