Synagogue de Cavaillon – Musée juif comtadin
18th-century synagogue, listed as a historic monument, housing the Comtat Jewish Museum with ritual objects and community archives.
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About the museum
The Cavaillon synagogue belonged to the community of the “Popes’ Jews” settled in the Comtat Venaissin. It stands in the old quarter of the town, the Jewish quarter. A first building was erected at the end of the 15th century; only part of the lower hall and the stair tower survive from that time.
The present building was rebuilt between 1772 and 1774 above the rue Hébraïque, on two levels. It reflects the traditions of the communities of the Comtat and Avignon and is one of only two surviving synagogues of this type, the other being in Carpentras. Its Louis XV rococo interior is decorated in pastel shades, with wrought ironwork and gilding. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1924.
The Comtat Jewish Museum has been housed here since 1963 and holds the “Musée de France” label. It displays ritual objects from the 16th to the 19th century, objects from the “book cemetery” and archives of the former community. The lower hall, once reserved for women, also contains an oven and a marble kneading table from the time when the place served as a bakery.
Highlights
- 18th-century rococo prayer hall
- Chair of the prophet Elijah, life size
- Ritual objects from the 16th to the 19th century
- Objects from the “book cemetery” and community archives
- Oven and kneading table in the lower hall
Permanent exhibition
- Musée juif comtadin – Ritual objects from the 16th to the 19th century, objects from the “book cemetery” and archives of the former Jewish community of Cavaillon.
- Founded
- 1963
- Operated by
- Ville de Cavaillon
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Groups of more than 10 people, large families, people over 60, students, teachers, job seekers and recipients of minimum social benefits, with proof. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for children under 18, with proof. |
| Seniors | €5From age 60. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree for holders of a disability card, with proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personReduced rate for groups of more than 10 people. |
| Combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum at the Hôtel-Dieu (full price) | €8 |
| Combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum at the Hôtel-Dieu (reduced) | €6 |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month and cultural events (Museum Night, European Heritage Days)
Free admission with proof also for tourism professionals, journalists, curators, ICOM card holders, Ministry of Culture staff and group escorts. Payment by check, card or cash.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- 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 building is not accessible to wheelchair users: the main room on the first floor can only be reached by stairs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Family workshops and adapted tours are offered during the year.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare routière – SNCF
Zou! bus lines 907, 908, 913 and 704, stop “Gare routière – SNCF”. The site is close to the pedestrian street of the old town.
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 | Visits are by guide only, in French and English, with departures every hour. Animals are not admitted. |
