Prison des évêques de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Former medieval and penitentiary prison of the citadel, housing a Micro-Folie (digital museum) and three permanent exhibitions.
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About the museum
The Prison dite des Évêques takes its current name from the combination of two historical realities: the presence of bishops of the diocese of Bayonne during the Great Western Schism, and the penitentiary function of the site, documented from the late 18th century. The building has been listed as a historic monument since 1941.
The visit begins with a guardroom, followed by disciplinary cells. A narrow staircase leads to a vast underground medieval hall with a ribbed vault.
Today the monument houses the town’s Micro-Folie, a cultural scheme proposed by the Ministry of Culture and coordinated by the Établissement public du parc et de la grande halle de la Villette. It opened on February 7, 2026 and offers free access to a digital museum of masterpieces. The site also hosts three permanent exhibitions, on pelote basque, the Basque diaspora and the history of the old cemetery, as well as temporary exhibitions on the upper floor.
Highlights
- The Micro-Folie and its digital museum, free for everyone
- The guardroom and the disciplinary cells
- The underground medieval hall with ribbed vault
- Three permanent exhibitions: pelote basque, Basque diaspora, old cemetery
- Two new themes each month with a cultural mediator
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposition permanente sur la pelote basque – Permanent exhibition devoted to pelote basque, presented in the Prison dite des Évêques.
- Exposition permanente sur la diaspora basque – Permanent exhibition on the Basque diaspora, presented in the same building.
- Exposition permanente sur le vieux cimetière – Permanent exhibition on the history of the town’s old cemetery.
- Operated by
- Commune de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission for all visitors.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 45 min |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The town presents the Micro-Folie as a friendly and family-oriented space. Each month, two themes are offered by the cultural mediator.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visit. A monthly programme offers two themes with a cultural mediator; it is available on the town’s website and at the town hall reception. |
