Museum Monet Goyon
About This Museum
Tucked away on the Place de la Poste in the quiet town of Melle, this museum is a real gem for anyone fascinated by the golden age of French motorbikes. It's not a sterile showroom but a place that feels alive with the stories of the Monet Goyon factory, a family-run business that once put this very town on the map. You can almost hear the clatter of tools and smell the oil from its heyday in the mid-20th century. It’s a wonderfully personal tribute to an industry that defined an era.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the collection is the elegant 'Monet Goyon' machines themselves, from sturdy pre-war models to the charmingly quirky 'Zinc' and 'Planetary' models. Alongside the bikes, you'll find old advertisements, factory tools, and personal photographs that paint a vivid picture of local life and industry.
Visitor Information
It's best to check their opening hours online before you make the trip, as a small museum like this can have seasonal schedules. The folks running it are incredibly knowledgeable and often have their own stories to share.
Architecture & Building
Housed in an unassuming, traditional stone building that feels like it could have been a workshop or garage itself, blending right into the historic fabric of Melle.
Contact & Location
Address: Place de la Poste, Melle, Niort, Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France métropolitaine, 79500, France
Phone: +33 7 83 39 87 96
Website: Visit Website
