Musée des arts et traditions populaires de la Haute-Loire
Small museum in Lavaudieu, housed in the former baker’s house, showing rural life in times past; guided visits only.
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About the museum
The museum occupies the former baker’s house of Lavaudieu, a late 19th-century building on the village square, a short walk from the Benedictine abbey. Its large openings are framed in Volvic stone.
The idea of preserving evidence of rural life arose in 1969, when the 900th anniversary of the founding of the abbey was celebrated. The first collections came from residents of Lavaudieu and the surrounding area. They were added to over the years by the Association des Amis de Lavaudieu, which owns the museum. By 2013, more than a thousand objects had been inventoried.
Visitors discover period furniture, everyday objects, some of them unusual, and farm equipment. The main room, the “veillade” (evening gathering by the hearth), the stable and the upstairs bedrooms give the impression that the inhabitants have just stepped out, in the house of a farmer-baker.
Highlights
- Former village baker’s house, late 19th century
- More than a thousand objects from rural life in earlier times
- Main room, “veillade”, stable and bedrooms as they were
- Guided visit next to the abbey of Lavaudieu, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Permanent exhibition
- Collections d'arts et traditions populaires – Period furniture, everyday objects and farm equipment in the house of a farmer-baker, with main room, “veillade”, stable and bedrooms.
- Operated by
- Association Vallis Dei – Les Amis de Lavaudieu
- Visitors per year
- approx. 14,829
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50students, job seekers and young people aged 13 to 18 |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 5 · Rate for children aged 6 to 12; free for children under 6. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
| Groups (21+ people) | €2.50 per personGuided visit for groups of more than 20 people; €2 for student groups and school groups. One accompanying adult and the driver are free, plus one free admission for every 20 paying people. |
Prices valid from May 2 to September 30, 2026, for the guided museum visit. Free also for guests, residents of Lavaudieu and members of religious orders.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car parks along the riverbank are available to visitors. Parking in the village centre is strictly prohibited, except for people with disabilities.
On approaching the village, follow the signs for the “itinéraire conseillé” rather than GPS directions.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are always with a guide. Groups should book in advance with the Point Information Tourisme (04 71 76 46 00) or via the contact form on the website. |
