Musée des Cordeliers

About the museum

A local archaeological society founded in 1923 in Saint-Jean-d'Angély created the first association museum in 1935, the Musée Arthur Bonnet, in the Hôtel d'Hausen. There it gathered architectural fragments, archaeological finds, decorative arts and other collections, and also received gifts and bequests made to the town.

In 1997, the society and the town agreed to create a new museum. The Musée des Cordeliers opened in 2003 and received the “Musée de France” label. It occupies the former residence of the sub-prefects, built in the 19th century on the site of a medieval Franciscan (Cordeliers) convent, whose name the museum took. The route spreads over three levels around a central staircase.

The museum's distinctive feature is its memory of the Citroën expeditions carried out between 1922 and 1932: the first crossing of the Sahara by car, the Croisière noire and the Croisière jaune. It holds objects and documents belonging to two participants, including Louis Audouin-Dubreuil, a native of Saint-Jean-d'Angély. The museum also presents works related to the history of the town.

After 23 years, the museum closed to the public on May 1, 2026 for a complete redesign of its permanent route. The new route, under the theme of adventure, is due to reopen in 2027 with a space on the Citroën expeditions, a section on the Croisière jaune and, for the first time, a space on the history of the town and the Vals de Saintonge.

Highlights

• The only public museum devoted to the memory of the Citroën expeditions of 1922 to 1932
• Objects and documents from the Croisière noire and the first crossing of the Sahara
• New permanent route announced for 2027 on the theme of adventure
• Planned space on the history of Saint-Jean-d'Angély and the Vals de Saintonge

Permanent exhibition

• Nouveau parcours permanent (2027) – A route on the theme of adventure, with a space on the Citroën expeditions in Africa and Asia, a section on the Croisière jaune and a space on the history of the town and the Vals de Saintonge. It will open when the museum reopens.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Ville de Saint-Jean-d'Angély

Visitors per year

approx. 9,514

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is at 9 Rue Regnaud, in the center of Saint-Jean-d'Angély.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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