Musée du Canal de Berry

About the museum

The museum grew out of the exhibitions that the Amicale laïque de Reugny organised every year on a local theme. The exhibition on the Canal de Berry launched the venture. René Chambareau and a few volunteers gathered items salvaged through donations from bargemen, lock keepers and road workers, as well as through research and encounters.

The site lies on the canal bank, on a former gare d’eau (canal wharf), in the heart of the Val de Cher. The museum has been open since 2010 and now presents 500 m² of exhibition space with objects, models, photographs and drawings. The collection includes administrative documents, period plans, everyday objects and engineering works such as lock gates, as well as two authentic barges that once sailed on the canal.

The route follows six themes: the construction and financing of the canal, the life of the bargemen, the engineering works, life around the canal, the landing quay with a reconstruction of the work of the stevedores and lime kiln workers, and finally the decline and decommissioning of the canal. An association, the Amis du musée, has supported the site since 2009.

Highlights

• Two authentic barges, one wooden and one metal
• Engineering works room with four real lock gates
• Bargemen’s lodging and a relief model of the canal’s route
• Landing quay with a reconstruction of the work of the lime kiln workers
• Trip on the canal in an electric boat possible

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes du Musée du Canal de Berry – Six themes over 500 m²: construction of the canal, life of the bargemen, engineering works, life around the canal, landing quay, decline and decommissioning.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Communauté de communes du Val de Cher

Admission & discounts

After a boat trip, the rental receipt entitles you to the reduced rate at the museum entrance. Renting a 5-seat electric boat costs €23 per hour.

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 museum is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. The boats are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Schools have visits adapted to their level, with activity booklets. The visit can be combined with an electric boat trip and educational games.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located 15 km north of Montluçon, at the Magnette locality in Audes.

Amenities & dining

The museum has the Accueil Vélo label: bicycle parking, toilets, drinking water point, repair kit, charging point and information on cycle routes.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit