Museum sights in Southwestern France
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Musée Jules Verne
Overlooking the river, this is a magical museum with 1st-edition books, hand-edited manuscripts and cardboard theatre cut-outs. Child-friendly interactive displays introduce or reintroduce you to the work of Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes in 1828. Signs are in French but Verne's books, such as Around the World in 80 Days, are so well known that it's worthwhile visiting regardless. Wheelchair access is good. The museum is a 2km walk down river from the town centre.
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Musée d'Histoire Naturelle
There's something delightfully old-fashioned about this natural history museum, which dates back to the period after the French Revolution when French society began to embrace the benefits of science. There is one section devoted to housing an exhibition of regional fauna and lots of bugs on pins and quality taxidermy.
The mansion that houses the museum, the Hôtel de Lisleferme, is an impressive sight even if the museum is a little old-school.
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Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne
The seafaring history, traditions and cultural identity of the Basque people are all explored at this superb museum through exhibits including a reconstructed farm and the interior of a typical etxe (home). Labelling is in French, Spanish and Basque only but English information sheets are available. In July and August free 'nocturnal' visits are possible on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
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Musée Maritime Neptunea
Moored at Bassin des Chalutiers are the two ships comprising the Musée Maritime Neptunea: the meteorological research vessel France 1, and Angoumois, a chalutier (fishing boat). A land-based extension of the museum on the adjacent dock incorporates a section dedicated to Jacques Cousteau, and a re-creation of the city's ancient fish market.
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Musée des Modèles Réduits
Trainspotters will love the Musée des Modèles Réduits, with miniature cars, computer-automated naval battles, and a tootling model railway. In July and August, children under 10 can ride aboard a little train.
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F
Musée Dobrée
A wonderful hotchpotch of religious treasures, suits of armour and deadly swords, dazzling jewels and shimmering ceramics – and, in a gold casket, the heart of the Duchess of Brittany, Anne de Bretagne.
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Musée d'Histoire Naturelle
The fascinating collection of minerals, fossils and stuffed animals includes a huge whale skeleton and vivariums full of beautiful live snakes. There are frequent temporary exhibitions.
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Musée d’Aquitaine
Gallo-Roman statues and relics dating back 25,000 years are among the highlights at the impressive Musée d’Aquitaine. Ask to borrow an English language catalogue.
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Musée Bonnat
Unexpected treasures are crammed into the Musée Bonnat, including canvases by El Greco, Goya, Ingres and Degas, and a roomful of works by Rubens. Nearby is the Le Carré Musée Bonnat, which houses the Bonnat museum's ever-changing collection of works by the Basque artists of today.
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Musée du Nouveau Monde
La Rochelle's role as a departure point for North America is interpreted at the 18th-century mansion housing this museum.
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Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Faience pottery, porcelain, gold, iron, glasswork and furniture are displayed at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
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Musée de Lourdes
Musée de Lourdes explores the town’s history and the life of Ste Bernadette.
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Musée Ste-Croix
Seven signed statues by Camille Claudel are the highlight of this little museum.
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