Musée du Poitou Protestant
About This Museum
It's a quiet revelation that one of France's most poignant stories of religious resilience isn't told in a grand Parisian institution, but in a humble 12th-century Romanesque church in the village of Beaussais. The museum itself feels like the first and most important artifact, its ancient stone walls having silently witnessed the very history they now narrate. You don't just walk through exhibits here; you tread on floors where Huguenots once secretly gathered, the air thick with memory. It transforms the entire experience from a simple lesson into something far more intimate and atmospheric.
Collection Highlights
Look for the modest but powerful objects that speak volumes: a discreet 'preacher's pulpit' that could be quickly hidden, forbidden Bibles, and personal letters detailing life during the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. These aren't just relics; they are testaments to clandestine faith.
Visitor Information
Finding it is part of the charm—look for the old church right by the town hall in Beaussais-Vitré. It's compact, so you can absorb its profound narrative in a thoughtful hour or two.
Architecture & Building
The building is a former Romanesque church, all sturdy limestone and rounded arches, which later subtly incorporated defensive elements during the Wars of Religion, making its very structure a timeline of conflict and conviction.
Contact & Location
Address: Place de la Mairie, La Chollerie, Beaussais, Beaussais-Vitré, Niort, Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France métropolitaine, 79370, France
Phone: +33 5 49 32 83 16
Website: Visit Website
