Musée national des Douanes
Discover France's customs history in a beautiful Bordeaux building. Learn about trade, borders, and fiscal evolution.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Musée national des Douanes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover France's customs history in a beautiful Bordeaux building. Learn about trade, borders, and fiscal evolution.
"A beautiful museum with friendly staff and a reasonable admission fee, offering a unique historical perspective."
🎧 Grab the Audio Guide
Essential for understanding exhibits as most signage is in French. Worth the small extra cost!
🕰️ Allow an Hour
Perfect for a focused, interesting visit without feeling rushed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Claude Monet's Customs House
Art Collection
Discover a rare painting by Claude Monet, 'Cabane des Douaniers,' offering an artistic perspective on customs.

Evolution of Customs
Exhibition Halls
Trace the fascinating history of customs control, from monarchy to EU border management.

Bordeaux's Import History
Exhibition Halls
Learn about Bordeaux's role in trade, including historical events like the blockade of English goods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Audio Guide is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Grab the Audio Guide
Essential for understanding exhibits as most signage is in French. Worth the small extra cost!
🕰️ Allow an Hour
Perfect for a focused, interesting visit without feeling rushed.
💰 Student Discount
Students can get in for a very reasonable price, making it a budget-friendly option.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Visitors often note the welcoming and friendly atmosphere from the museum staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Grab the Audio Guide
Essential for understanding exhibits as most signage is in French. Worth the small extra cost!
🕰️ Allow an Hour
Perfect for a focused, interesting visit without feeling rushed.
💰 Student Discount
Students can get in for a very reasonable price, making it a budget-friendly option.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Visitors often note the welcoming and friendly atmosphere from the museum staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Musée national des Douanes for its friendly staff, reasonable admission, and unique historical focus, particularly on customs and trade. While most signage is in French, the highly recommended audio guide enhances the experience significantly, making it an interesting and educational visit for those seeking a different perspective on Bordeaux's history. It's a small, clean, and well-curated museum perfect for a focused exploration.
"The most beautiful Museum, staff friendly, welcoming, more than reasonable admission fee, such a nice atmosphere, spotless wc, lockers for one's stuff, I don't speak French but I learnt stuff that I never knew. Thank You."
wlt648
"When in Bordeaux and you want something a little different (and the musee de l’imprimerie that I really wanted to visit is closed) then go and visit the French customs and excise museum. Spoiler alert this isn’t the most interactive of museum and everything is in French, however you get a warm welcome (unusual from a French customs officer haha) and you can spend an interesting hour in a lovely building reading about stuff you don’t know like when English goods were blocked from entering France after the Trafalgar victory. Be sure to see the painting by Claude Monet, Cabane des Douaniers."
Christopher Capel
"Great museum with very friendly staff. Make sure you get the audio guide since it provides a lot of information on each of the displays within the museum."
Sandra Kinney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée national des Douanes is conveniently located in Bordeaux. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option, especially if you're exploring the historic port area.
While there might not be dedicated museum parking, there are several public parking garages in the vicinity of the Musée national des Douanes. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're already in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is very reasonable, often noted as being more than affordable. Students, in particular, can get in for a very low price, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity.
Generally, advance booking is not required for the Musée national des Douanes due to its typically low crowd levels. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, student discounts are available and are highlighted as being particularly good value. Check for any other potential discounts upon arrival or on their official website if available.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website or inquire locally before your visit. However, it's generally a place you can visit for an interesting hour or so during the day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is described as not being the most interactive, focusing more on displays and artifacts. However, the audio guide significantly enhances the learning experience by providing detailed information.
While not explicitly an interactive children's museum, the historical aspect and the audio guide can make it engaging for older children interested in history and trade. It's a quiet and clean environment.
Yes, the museum provides lockers for visitors to store their belongings, which is a convenient amenity for a comfortable visit.
Information on accessibility can vary. It's a clean and well-curated space, but it's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific details regarding ramps, elevators, or other accessibility features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Musée national des Douanes does not typically have an on-site cafe or restaurant. However, its central location in Bordeaux means there are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby to enjoy before or after your visit.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the exhibition areas of museums to preserve the artifacts. There are no specific mentions of restrictions, but it's standard museum etiquette.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some reviews mention taking photos, it's always a good idea to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival. Non-flash photography is often permitted in historical museums.
The beautiful architecture of the building itself, along with specific artifacts and displays, can make for interesting photos. The Claude Monet painting is also a notable subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Ensure you rent the audio guide to maximize engagement for younger visitors who may not read French. The historical context of goods and trade might spark curiosity about global commerce. It's a good option for a shorter, focused visit that won't tire out younger travelers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: The audio guide is a small additional cost but significantly enhances the experience, so factor that in. It's a great way to spend an hour or two learning something new without a hefty price tag, fitting perfectly into a day of exploring Bordeaux affordably.
🤓 History Buffs & Niche Interest Seekers
Tip: The audio guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the nuances of the exhibits. The museum provides a deep dive into Bordeaux's historical significance in trade and the evolution of fiscal policies, offering a unique perspective beyond the typical tourist trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Customs History
One of the most striking aspects highlighted is the historical context of trade disputes, such as the blockade of English goods after the Battle of Trafalgar. This demonstrates how customs policies have been intertwined with political and economic events. The museum effectively showcases the changing responsibilities and challenges faced by customs officers throughout different eras, making it an educational experience for those interested in economic history and public administration.
The Value of the Audio Guide
Available in multiple languages, the audio guide transforms the visit from a passive observation into an engaging learning experience. It offers context, historical background, and interesting anecdotes that bring the exhibits to life. The small additional cost for the audio guide is consistently praised as being well worth the investment for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit, especially for international tourists.
A Unique Bordeaux Experience
Reviewers often describe it as an 'interesting hour or so,' making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing or a great option for a rainy afternoon. It appeals to those who appreciate niche history and want to learn something new, even about subjects they might not have considered before. The friendly staff and reasonable admission fee further enhance its appeal as a worthwhile detour.
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