Musée national des Douanes - The Opera Comedie in Montpellier, France.
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Musée national des Douanes

4.3
·446 reviews·Bordeaux, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Musée national des Douanes - The Opera Comedie in Montpellier, France.

Musée national des Douanes

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(446 reviews)

"A beautiful museum with friendly staff and a reasonable admission fee, offering a unique historical perspective."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎧 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Claude Monet's Customs House

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

Evolution of Customs

Exhibition Halls

Trace the fascinating history of customs control, from monarchy to EU border management.

Bordeaux's Import History

Bordeaux's Import History

Exhibition Halls

Learn about Bordeaux's role in trade, including historical events like the blockade of English goods.

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Planning Your Visit

Audio Guide is Key

While the museum is beautiful, most signage is in French. The audio guide is essential for understanding the exhibits and is highly recommended for a richer experience. It's a small fee that's well worth it for non-French speakers.

Timing Your Visit

This museum offers a unique glimpse into a specific aspect of French history. It's a smaller, less crowded option, perfect for a relaxed hour or two, especially if you're looking for something different in Bordeaux.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime
Why
Small and intimate experience
Crowd
Low

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! Reddit

🕰️ Allow an Hour

Perfect for a focused, interesting visit without feeling rushed. Reddit

💰 Student Discount

Students can get in for a very reasonable price, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Visitors often note the welcoming and friendly atmosphere from the museum staff. Reddit

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! Reddit

🕰️ Allow an Hour

Perfect for a focused, interesting visit without feeling rushed. Reddit

💰 Student Discount

Students can get in for a very reasonable price, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Visitors often note the welcoming and friendly atmosphere from the museum staff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(446 reviews)

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

Friendly and welcoming staff
Reasonable admission fee
Unique historical focus

What People Dislike

Signage primarily in French

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the museum provides lockers for visitors to store their belongings, which is a convenient amenity for a comfortable visit. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée national des Douanes can be a surprisingly engaging stop for families, especially for children interested in history or how things work. While not overtly interactive, the audio guide can help make the exhibits more dynamic. The museum is clean and well-maintained, offering a calm environment. Consider it for older children who can appreciate historical narratives and the evolution of trade. Reddit

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

This museum is a fantastic find for budget-conscious travelers. The admission fee is described as 'more than reasonable,' and students can get in for a very low price, making it an excellent value. Reddit

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

For those who love delving into specific historical periods or unique aspects of a country's development, the Musée national des Douanes is a must-visit. It offers a detailed look at the history of customs, trade, and border control, a subject often overlooked but crucial to national economies and governance. Reddit

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

The Musée national des Douanes offers a unique journey through the history of customs and excise in France, with a particular focus on Bordeaux's role. Visitors can learn about the evolution of border control, from the monarchy's need to collect taxes on imports to the modern-day EU border management systems. The exhibits detail the methods used to prevent smuggling and ensure revenue collection, providing a fascinating insight into a often-overlooked aspect of national governance. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Value of the Audio Guide

For visitors who do not speak French, the audio guide is an indispensable tool at the Musée national des Douanes. Many reviewers emphasize that without it, the experience would be significantly diminished, as most of the exhibit signage is in French. The audio guide provides detailed explanations for each display, enriching the understanding of the artifacts and historical narratives presented. Reddit

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. Reddit

A Unique Bordeaux Experience

While Bordeaux is renowned for its wine and grand architecture, the Musée national des Douanes offers a distinct alternative for visitors seeking a different kind of cultural immersion. It provides a quiet, less crowded atmosphere compared to some of the city's larger attractions, allowing for a more personal and contemplative experience. The museum's location in a lovely building adds to its charm. Reddit

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. Reddit

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