Musée Escoffier de l'art culinaire

About the museum

Auguste Escoffier (1846–1935), regarded as the father of modern cuisine, was born in this 18th-century Provençal house in the heart of the village of Villeneuve-Loubet. Joseph Donon, one of his disciples who became a patron, financed the creation of a museum in the chef’s memory on the proposal of two close collaborators of Escoffier. Dr. Jean-Bernard Escoffier, the chef’s grandson, donated the birthplace.

The museum opened on May 2, 1966. Its ten rooms display the chef’s personal souvenirs, period objects and utensils, set tables, a Provençal vegetable garden, more than 3,000 old and modern menus, pieces made of sugar, pastillage and chocolate, as well as an important library and a research center on gastronomy. Donations and bequests regularly enrich the collections.

The museum is private and run by the Fondation Auguste Escoffier, which is recognized as a public-interest foundation. By prefectoral decree of June 30, 2026, it received the “Musée de France” designation and the “Maisons des Illustres” label. The foundation is also preparing a renovation and extension project.

Highlights

• Auguste Escoffier’s birthplace, with his office and souvenirs
• More than 3,000 old and modern menus
• Pieces in sugar, pastillage and chocolate
• “Musée de France” designation since June 2026
• Peach Melba tasting offered from June to September

Founded

1966

Operated by

Fondation Auguste Escoffier

Admission & discounts

Only tickets sold at the museum, via Tripadvisor, the Villeneuve-Loubet tourist office or Patrivia, or booked with the Pass Culture or a Cultur’in the City box, are accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum occupies an 18th-century house of five storeys without an elevator and is not equipped for visitors with reduced mobility. Adapted audioguides are available at reception and can be connected to a hearing aid. Guided tours adapted for people with intellectual disabilities are available by reservation. No mediation provision for visual impairment. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

Activity booklet from age 6 and puzzle book from age 11, a children’s room with two games (culinary expressions and legumes), a treasure hunt and seasonal activities; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorway, exit 47, toward Villeneuve-Loubet Village. By bicycle: cycle path from the seafront and bicycle parking in front of the town hall, Place de la République.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Reception shop with books and souvenirs. Peach Melba tasting offered from June to September, except during European Heritage Days.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit