L'Epopée Chapelière
About This Museum
People come to L'Epopée Chapelière not just to see old hats, but to immerse themselves in the soul of a town built on hat-making. You'll discover how Caussade earned its reputation as a 'capitale du chapeau,' following the journey from raw straw and felt to the finished, fashionable creations that once crowned heads across France. It’s a surprisingly intimate and personal story of local craft and industry, told through the tools and lives of the artisans themselves. Stepping inside feels like uncovering a cherished family secret, one woven from generations of skill.
Collection Highlights
The real stars are the machines—the massive hydraulic presses and delicate blocking tools that shaped history. Don't miss the displays of delicate straw-splitting or the beautiful, well-worn leather hat forms that still carry the imprint of their makers' hands.
Visitor Information
You'll find it tucked neatly inside the Caussade Tourist Office in the historic Carré des Chapeliers district, making it an easy and essential first stop to understand the town's character.
Architecture & Building
Housed within a former religious building in the Les Récollets complex, it blends seamlessly into the historic, honey-colored stone architecture that gives this part of France its charm.
Contact & Location
Address: 82300, Caussade, Montauban, Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie, France métropolitaine, France
Phone: +33 5 63 26 04 04
Website: Visit Website
