The Dordogne museums aren't usually very well known, or the main reason that people visit the area, but there are some interesting museums to explore covering a wide range of interests:
Museums in the Perigord Pourpre
Musée du Tabac et Musée de la Ville, Bergerac
A fascinating little museum containing lots of information about the origins and uses of tobacco (did you know it was a sacred medicine of Aztec gods) and a wide assortement of pipes. This museum also houses information about Bergerac's history.
Opening hours:
The museum is open from 10.00 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 18.00 and in July and August from 10.30 - 18.00
The museum is closed on Mondays throughout the year and in winter it is also closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
4 euros adults, children free.
Musée Costi, Bergerac
Housed in the vaulted cellars of the Presbytere Saint Jacques in the centre of Bergerac this museum contains works by the sculptor Constantin Papachristopoulos known as Costi. In total there are 52 bronze statues as well as some other works.
Opening hours:
The museum is open from 1.00 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 18.00 in June and September and from 10-30 - 18.00 July and August .
The museum is closed on Mondays throughout the year and Saturday and Sunday mornings except for July and August. In winter it is only open on Wednesdays in October to December.
Musée du Vin et de la Batellerie, Bergerac
Museum of wine and the importance of the river to Bergerac's trade and history. With items related to wine production and large scale models of the boats used to transport the wine.
Opening hours: 15 June - 30 September: 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00-17.30 Monday to Friday
10.00-12.00 Saturday and 14.30-17.30 Sunday
1 October - 31 March: 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.30 Monday to Friday
10.00 - 12.00 Saturday
Adults 3 euros.
Le Moulin à papier de la Rouzieque, Couze et Saint Front
This is a working paper mill allowing you to see paper being made. After learning about the process there is a shop where you can buy samples of this very attractive paper.
Opening Hours: 10.00 - 19.00 in July and August and 14.00 - 18.00 in June, September and October. It is closed Saturdays outside of July and August.
Museums in the Perigord Vert
Musée Fernand Desmoulin, Brantome
A collection of paintings and engravings by Fernand Desmoulin. A visit to the museum can be combined with a visit to the troglodyte abbey of Brantome.
Opening Hours: The Abbey is generally open 10.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00 and closed Tuesdays though these times are extended during some months. July and August the abbey is open every day 10.00 - 19.00.
8.50 euros for adults.
Musée de l'Or, Jumilhac le Grand
Near to the Chateau de Jumilhac this Museum of Gold which tells of the history of gold mining in the region. With various exhibits, a part of a mining gallery and even the chance to go panning for gold in the Isle river. The museum is located inside the tourist office.
Museums in the Perigord Noir
Manoir de Gisson, Sarlat
The Manoir de Gisson in Sarlat is a 13th century manor house decorated to reflect life for the local nobility in the 17th century.
Opening hours:
July and August: 10.00 - 19.00
April, May, June and September; 10.00 - 18.30
October to 11 Novermber: 10.00 - 17.30
Adults 8.50 euros, children 10-17 4.80 euros
Musée national de la préhistoire, Les Eyzies
An archeological collection tracing 400 thousand years of human life. The museum is in the village of Les Eyzies set in the rock face above the village.
Opening hours:
October-May: 09.30 - 12.30 and 14.00 - 17.30 every day except Tuesday
June and September: 09.30 - 18.00 every day except Tuesday
July and August: 09.30 - 18.30 every day
Adults 6 euros, under 25s from the EU free.
The International Centre of Prehistory
Near to the prehistory museum of Les Eyzies is the modern centre of prehistory with exhibitions about prehistoric life.
Opening hours:
09.30 - 17.30 weekdays (18.30 in peak season)
10.30 - 17.30 Sundays
closed Saturdays
Entrance free.
Musée de la guerre au moyen age, Castelnaud la Chapelle
This museum is in the Château de Castelnaud and is well worth a visit. The château, the views and the museum all contribute to make this the most visited chateau in the area. The museum contains a great collection of weapons and armour with life size modes of large weapons. Great for children and grown-ups.
Opening hours:
February, March and October -11 November: 10.00 - 18.00
April, May, June and September: 10.00 - 19.00
July and August: 09.00 - 20.00 and 20.15 for a night-time visit (visite nocturne)
12 November - end January: 14.00 - 17.00, and 10.00 - 17.00 during the Christmas holidays
10.90 euros adult and 5.50 children over 10
Musée de la Rue du temps qui passe
The Musée de la Rue du temps qui passe is a museum recreating life in the early 1900s with a wide range of objects from those days.
Opening hours:
July and August: 10.00 - 18.00
1 April to 11 November: 10.00 -12.00 and 14.00 -18.00. Closed Wednesday and Thursday
Adults 7.50 euros, 6-12s 6 euros
Museums in the Perigord Blanc
Vesunna, musée Gallo-Romain, Perigueux
This museum designed by the internationally renowned architect Jean Nouvel is situated close to the tour de Vésone at the heart of Perigueux old town. On the site of a vast Gallo Roman villa the museum includes many exhibits of the Gallo-Roman era.
Opening Hours:
October to March:(except 7-21 January when the museum is closed)
Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 – 12.30 and 13.30 – 17.00, Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 18.00
April, May, June and September: Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 – 17.30, Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 18.00
July and August: Every day: 10.00 – 19.00
Closed 1 Jan, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec.
Adults 6 euros, under 18s free.
Muséé d'art et d'archéologie du Périgord, Perigueux
Set in an attractive 19th century building in Perigueux, the museum houses exhibits of pre-history, gallo-roman era, mosaics, paintings, sculptures and much more.
Opening Hours:
April, May, June, July, August, September: 10.30-17.30, closed Tuesdays and bank holidays
October to March: 10.00 - 17.30, weekdays (closed Tuesdays); and 13.00-18.00 weekends
Adults 6 euros
Musée Napoleon du Chateau de la Pommerie, Cendrieux
500 objects put on display by one of Napoleon's direct descendents. The museum is in the attractive chateau de la Pommerie and so you get chance to see the chateau at the same time. Visits by appointment only.
Opening Hours: 15/06 to 14/07: 15.00 Thursdays and Sundays only 15/07 to 25/08: 15.00 - 17.00 excluding Saturdays, 25/08 to 15/09: 15.00 Thursdays and Sundays only
Adults 8 euros and under 12s free.
Museums close to the Dordogne
Musée Agricole et de l'Automobile, Salviac
A collection of vintage cars and motorbikes as well as tools and farm machinery from days gone by.
Opening Hours:
June, July, August, September: 10.00 - 19.00
Low season: 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 19.00
Adults 8 euros, children 5 euros