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Musée du Cloître: A Glimpse into Tulle's Past

Explore Tulle's heritage within the historic Musée du Cloître, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and regional history.

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Housed in a beautifully restored 13th-century Gothic cloister, the Musée du Cloître in Tulle offers visitors a journey through the history and culture of the Bas-Limousin region. Although the museum is currently closed as of 2022, the architectural site remains open for exploration, showcasing a blend of Gothic elements and 19th-century reconstructions.

A brief summary to Musee Du Cloitre

Local tips

  • While the museum is closed, check local listings for temporary exhibitions or cultural events that may be held within the cloister grounds.
  • Visit during the summer months (June 15 to September 15) when the cloister is typically open to the public.
  • Take your time to admire the Gothic architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of the cloister.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Musée du Cloître is located on Place Mgr Berteaud in the heart of Tulle. From most points in the city center, it is easily accessible on foot. Simply navigate towards the Cathédrale Notre-Dame; the cloister is adjacent to the cathedral. Note that the cloister is only open to the public during certain periods. There is no cost for entry to the cloister itself.

  • Public Transport

    Tulle has a local bus network (TUT agglo). Check the local bus routes to see if any lines serve the city center near the Place Mgr Berteaud. From the Tulle train station (Gare de Tulle), it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the Musée du Cloître. Exit the station and head towards the center of town, following signs to Place Mgr Berteaud. A single bus ticket costs around €1.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, several parking options are available in Tulle. Place Smolensk and Parking Souletie are paid parking areas near the city center. Some parking areas offer free parking for the first 30 minutes or 2 hours. Be aware of parking fees, which typically cost around €1.50 per hour. Free parking options, such as Parking du Pas Roulant, are available further from the city center.

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Discover more about Musee Du Cloitre

The Musée du Cloître, situated in the heart of Tulle, resides within the ancient Abbaye Saint-Martin. This 13th-century Gothic cloister, a classified historical monument, once formed the heart of the Abbaye Saint-Martin. The galleries of the cloister showcase a captivating blend of original Gothic features and elements from later reconstruction campaigns in the late 19th century. For many years, the Musée du Cloître housed varied collections reflecting the life, discoveries, and history of the Bas-Limousin region. These collections encompassed local archaeology, religious art, accordions, arms, and paintings from the 14th century to contemporary times. Notably, the museum featured an important collection of religious art related to the history of Tulle, a former abbey and episcopal city. Traditional needlepoint lacework, known as 'poinct de Tulle,' was also on display, highlighting this regional craftsmanship. As of January 3, 2022, the Musée du Cloître has been closed to prepare for the opening of a new museum facility in the city, the Cité de l'accordéon et des patrimoines de Tulle, which opened in April 2024. However, the cloister itself remains open to visitors, allowing them to admire the architecture and soak in the serene atmosphere. The chapter hall within the cloister boasts remarkable painted murals dating back to the 15th century, adding to the site's historical and artistic significance.

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