Toy Museum

Description

Let me tell you about one of the most enchanting spots I’ve discovered – a toy museum that’s absolutely magical. Housed in what used to be a Royal Priory (and yep, it’s officially listed as a historic monument), this place is basically heaven for anyone who loves toys, whether you’re a kid or just young at heart like me. I spent hours here last month, and honestly? Time just flew by.

The collection here is mind-blowing. We’re talking toys from ancient times all the way up to the stuff kids are playing with today, though I particularly loved geeking out over the 19th and 20th-century sections. What really got me was how they’ve managed to make everything feel both educational and super fun – it’s got this official “Museum of France” status, but they’ve also earned this cool “Joyful Museum” label, which pretty much sums up the vibe perfectly.

Key Features

• Incredible chronological display of toys from antiquity to modern day
• Interactive play zones where visitors can actually handle and play with certain toys
• Themed display cases that tell the story of toy evolution through different eras
• Special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year
• Educational workshops and cultural programs for various age groups
• Unique collection of rare and unusual toys you won’t find anywhere else
• Historical building that adds an extra layer of charm to the experience
• Carefully curated thematic sections that make navigation intuitive
• Hands-on learning areas perfect for school groups
• Multi-language information panels

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, weekday mornings are absolutely perfect for a peaceful browse through the collections. The museum tends to get busier during school holidays and weekend afternoons – which can actually be fun if you want to soak in the excited energy of kids discovering the exhibits. I’d say avoid Wednesday afternoons during school terms, as that’s when local school groups often visit.

If you’re bringing little ones, try timing your visit around one of their workshop sessions – these usually happen during school holidays and are totally worth planning your trip around. And during summer months, the early afternoon can be ideal since the historic building stays naturally cool.

How to Get There

Getting to the museum is actually pretty straightforward. If you’re coming by public transport, the nearest train station is just a short walk away. There’s decent parking nearby if you’re driving, though I’d recommend getting there early on weekends as spaces can fill up quick. The museum is well-signposted once you’re in the area, and it’s right in the heart of the historical district, which makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing.

Tips for Visiting

Ok, so here’s what I learned from my visits – definitely bring your camera because there are some seriously Instagram-worthy displays (just check about flash photography first). Plan for at least two hours if you want to really see everything properly. There’s no café inside, but you might want to pack some snacks for the kids – just remember to eat them outside the museum area.

The museum is totally wheelchair accessible, which is pretty impressive considering it’s in a historic building. They’ve done a great job with ramps and elevators. The restrooms are also accessible and super clean – always a plus when traveling with family!

I’d suggest starting at the oldest exhibits and working your way forward in time – it’s amazing to see how toys have evolved. And don’t rush through! Some of the most interesting pieces are in the details of the displays. If you’ve got kids with you, grab one of their activity sheets at the entrance – it turns the whole visit into a fun treasure hunt.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: check their calendar before visiting because they sometimes have special demonstrations of vintage toys in action. These are absolutely fantastic and really bring the exhibits to life. Also, while the museum is great year-round, they often have extra special exhibits during the holiday season that are totally worth seeing.

And one last thing – don’t skip the temporary exhibitions! They change regularly and often feature some really unique themes that complement the permanent collection perfectly. Trust me, this isn’t just another museum – it’s like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight back to childhood, no matter what era you grew up in.

Location

Places to Stay Near Toy Museum

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides