Musée des Manufactures de Dentelles
Musée de France housed in a former lace factory in Retournac, with workshops, original machines and more than 450,000 items.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is housed in the former lace factory of Retournac, a commune in the Haute-Loire department between Le Puy-en-Velay and Saint-Étienne. The first mentions of lace-making in Retournac date from the 18th century. In 1899, three children of Régis Experton founded the commune’s first factory; in 1913, a four-storey building was erected on the Avenue de la Gare. At its peak, the company employed up to 60 women workers in the workshop and 2,000 lacemakers working from home.
From the 1950s, turnover declined. A single company, Claire Experton & Cie, turned to machine lace and remained in operation until 1997. The museum, which opened in 2007, preserves two factories in their entirety, in their original building, which is unique in France in the field of decorative arts.
The route is made up of six sections: a European history of lace from the 16th century to today, the lives of lacemakers in the 20th century, the Grand Atelier, the pattern designer (le dessinateur), mechanical looms and the productions of Haute-Loire. The museum bears the “Musée de France” label and houses more than 450,000 items.
Highlights
- Two lace factories preserved in their original building
- Over 450,000 items, including extremely rare antique laces
- Accounts from former lacemakers, recorded between 1996 and 2001
- Mechanical looms in their original location
- Demonstrations, introductions and lace workshops
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent du musée – Six sections: European history of lace, the lacemakers, the Grand Atelier, the pattern designer, mechanical looms and the productions of Haute-Loire.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Commune de Retournac
- Visitors per year
- approx. 8,604
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50young people aged 12 to 18, students and job seekers |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free for children up to 12. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3.50 per personPlus a €30 flat fee for the guided tour, by reservation (morning or afternoon). For schools: €3.5 per pupil and a €30 flat fee per half-day, free for schools in Retournac. |
Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Prices applicable in 2026.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
- Family tours & workshops
Mini lace courses for children and creative workshops are offered during the holidays.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare de Retournac · 200 m
Train: the station is 200 metres from the museum; Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux – Retournac in 50 minutes, Le Puy – Retournac in 35 minutes.
By car
Parking available
Parking is possible in the museum’s courtyard. A car park for coaches is nearby.
By car from Lyon: A47 towards Saint-Étienne, then N88 towards Firminy and Le Puy, exit at Retournac near Yssingeaux. From Clermont-Ferrand: N88 towards Le Puy and Saint-Étienne, exit at Retournac near Yssingeaux.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Online museum shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A lacemaker welcomes visitors. The museum offers demonstrations of hand and machine lace, introductions, workshops (by registration) and guided tours on certain dates. Groups of 10 to 40 people can book by phone or email. |
