Musée des Comtes de Provence
Museum housed in the former palace of the Counts of Provence in Brignoles, devoted to archaeology, the arts and traditions of the region; currently closed for renovation.
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About the museum
The museum occupies the former comital palace of Brignoles, a building protected as a historic monument. Built as a defensive structure, it became a residence of the Counts of Provence from the mid-13th century onward and was enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries. Over time it served as a town hall, a school and a courthouse before a museum was opened here in 1945.
The collections bring together archaeology, sacred and decorative arts, fine arts, ethnology and natural sciences, with an emphasis on the arts and traditions of Provence. Highlights include the sarcophagus of La Gayole, an important collection of votive offerings, paintings by the Parrocel family and by Frédéric Montenard, and the reinforced-concrete boat by Joseph Lambot.
The museum now bears the name Musée des Comtes de Provence and is part of the Musées et Centres d'art network of the Provence Verte agglomeration. It is closed for a major renovation campaign; according to local tourist offices, reopening is announced for 2028.
Highlights
- Sarcophagus of La Gayole
- Important collection of votive offerings
- Paintings by Joseph Parrocel and Frédéric Montenard
- Reinforced-concrete boat by Joseph Lambot
- Palace of the Counts of Provence, historic monument
Permanent exhibition
- Collections permanentes du palais des comtes de Provence – Archaeology, sacred art, fine arts, ethnology and natural sciences around the arts and traditions of Provence, featuring the sarcophagus of La Gayole and numerous votive offerings.
- Founded
- 1945
- Operated by
- Agglomération Provence Verte (réseau Musées et Centres d'art)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Children and young people aged 6 to 18, people with disabilities, job seekers, RSA beneficiaries (French minimum income support) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 5 · Free for children under 6; reduced rate for ages 6 to 18 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5.50 per personPrice per person for groups of 10 or more, including a guided tour |
Prices apply to the period before the closure for renovation. Admission is free for several professional categories and during certain national events.
Accessibility
The museum is closed for renovation; reopening is announced for 2028.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
A bag of activities for children aged 3 to 10 can be requested on arrival. Workshops for individual visitors were held on Tuesdays during school holidays (before the closure).
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the old town of Brignoles, on the Place des Comtes de Provence; the A8 motorway (exit 35) is less than 5 km away.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum is closed for renovation; reopening is announced for 2028.
Events & venue rental
The museum is closed for renovation; reopening is announced for 2028.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are offered, especially for groups; school groups and leisure centers book by email. According to the tourist office, tours are available in French, English and Portuguese. |
