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Musée du Cloître: A Glimpse into Tulle's Past

Explore the historic Cloître de Tulle, a serene Gothic cloister, as it transitions to a new cultural chapter at the Cité de l'accordéon.

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Located in the heart of Tulle, the Musée du Cloître, or Cloister Museum, occupies a portion of the ancient Saint-Martin Abbey. While the museum is currently closed in preparation for a new cultural center, the historic cloister itself remains open for visitors to explore its Gothic architecture and serene atmosphere.

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Local tips

  • While the museum is closed, check for temporary exhibitions or events that may be held in other locations throughout Tulle.
  • Take time to explore the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tulle, which is adjacent to the cloister.
  • Wander through the medieval streets of Tulle to discover local shops and cafes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Musée du Cloître is located in the heart of Tulle's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Tulle train station, walk north along Avenue Victor Hugo, then turn left onto Place Émile Zola. Continue onto Place Gambetta, then turn right onto Rue de la République. Finally, turn left onto Place Mgr Berteaud, where the Musée du Cloître is located next to the cathedral. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Tulle has a local bus network that serves the town and surrounding areas. From the Tulle train station, take a local bus to the 'Cathédrale' stop, which is located near the Musée du Cloître. Bus tickets cost around €1.50 per trip. Check local bus schedules for up-to-date information.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Tulle. A taxi ride from the Tulle train station to the Musée du Cloître typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and time of day. Ride-sharing services may offer slightly lower fares, but availability can vary.

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The Musée du Cloître is situated within the historic Cloître de Tulle, a religious complex adjacent to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tulle. The cloister dates back to the 13th century and showcases a blend of Gothic architectural elements and later reconstructions. For centuries, the Musée du Cloître de Tulle, also known as the Musée municipal d'Art et d'Histoire du pays de Tulle, served as a repository of art and history, housing collections that reflected the discoveries and stories of Tulle and its surrounding region. Though the museum itself is currently closed as its collections are being transferred to the new Cité de l'accordéon et des patrimoines de Tulle (Accordion and Heritage City of Tulle), which opened in April 2024 , the Cloître de Tulle remains open to visitors. The site's origins trace back to the 4th century, with the founding of the first monastery attributed to Saint Martin of Tours. The abbey, inseparably linked to Saint Calmine de Laguenne in the 6th and 7th centuries, also enjoyed the patronage of Clement VI, the Magnificent, a Pope of Avignon who originated from the region. Visitors can still appreciate the Gothic architecture of the 13th-century Abbaye Saint-Martin-et-Saint-Michel, which adjoins the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tulle. The galleries of the cloister display a mix of 13th-century Gothic features and later restorations resulting from reconstruction efforts that began in the late 19th century.

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