Musée du Moteur
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet street in the historic Loire Valley town of Saumur, the Musée du Moteur is a hidden gem that thrums with mechanical history. Forget sterile, silent halls; this place feels more like a passionate collector's crowded garage, alive with the scent of oil and polished metal. It’s a symphony of pistons and crankshafts, celebrating the engine in all its ingenious forms. You don't have to be a gearhead to appreciate the artistry and sheer invention on display here.
Collection Highlights
The collection dazzles with everything from elegant early 20th-century automobile engines to bizarre industrial contraptions and even a section dedicated to miniature model engines. One standout is a beautifully restored aircraft radial engine, its complex cylinder arrangement looking like a piece of mechanical sculpture.
Visitor Information
It's wise to check their opening hours online before you go, as it can be seasonal. The museum is compact enough for a fascinating hour-long visit, but true enthusiasts could easily lose an entire afternoon marveling at the details.
Architecture & Building
Housed in an unassuming, rustic stone building that feels authentically local, it gives off the vibe of a classic French workshop rather than a formal museum.
Contact & Location
Address: Banque Alimentaire de Saumur, 18, Rue Alphonse Caillaud, Bagneux, Saumur, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire, France métropolitaine, 49400, France
Phone: +33 2 41 50 26 10
Website: Visit Website