Musée du Saut du Tarn

About the museum

The Saut du Tarn factory was established in Saint-Juéry in 1824, beside the Saut de Sabo, a waterfall on the River Tarn that provided strong hydraulic power. Specializing in steel and tool-making, it produced under the Talabot and SDT brands, known around the world. Several generations of workers labored there in difficult conditions until the factory closed in 1983.

The museum grew out of the passion of former factory employees and honors those workers. It occupies Hydroelectric Power Station No. 1, built in 1898 and listed as a historic monument, in the heart of the former industrial site. It traces two centuries of industrial and social history.

The visit relies on animated models, films and demonstrations, and ends with a sound and light show on a 23-meter-long model. In 2026, a restoration project limits access: the museum is open only by reservation to certain groups and for certain activities.

Highlights

• First hydroelectric power station of the factory (1898), listed as a historic monument
• Animated models, films and demonstrations
• Sound and light show on a 23-meter-long model
• Escape game “Le secret de Jules Verne” in the power station's tunnels
• Natural site of the Saut de Sabo

Permanent exhibitions

• Deux siècles d’aventure industrielle et sociale – A route through the 1898 hydroelectric power station on the history of the Saut du Tarn factory and its workers, with animated models and films.
• Histoire du Saut du Tarn – Presentation of the Saut de Sabo natural site and the development of metalworking in Saint-Juéry from 1824 to 1983.

Visitors per year

approx. 12,000

Admission & discounts

The museum does not list a price for individual visitors, as it is closed to this public in 2026.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

Several areas are currently inaccessible: the outdoor terrace and the basement with the turbine and the sound and light show. For groups with disabilities, the museum can prepare an adapted route; it asks visitors to get in touch in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum offers birthday parties (treasure hunt for ages 8 to 11, escape game from age 12), family investigations and games to take home. The escape game is not permitted for children under 8, and an adult must be present in the room for 12- to 15-year-olds.

Getting there & parking

Saint-Juéry is a 1 hour drive from Toulouse, 2 hours 50 minutes from Montpellier and 3 hours 15 minutes from Bordeaux.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with online shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit