Museum Visit

Rabelais Museum – La Devinière House

The Rabelais Museum is located in the birthplace of the writer François Rabelais, in La Devinière , a place steeped in history where the author of Gargantua and Pantagruel spent part of his childhood. Today, this museum invites you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of this Renaissance writer, while discovering the unique atmosphere that nurtured his imagination.

Temporary exhibitions :

• The Giant Book : A unique creation by artists blending painting, sculpture, and writing. This artist's book, mysteriously discovered under the fallen leaves of La Devinière, is a nod to the work of Rabelais, particularly the moment when Pantagruel loses this book in Gargantua .
• Thélème and Rabelaisian Utopia : An immersion into the utopian world of the Abbey of Thélème, recreated under the vaulted cellars of La Devinière by the Eton'art association. This staging of Rabelais' texts, accompanied by a soundscape, offers an immersive experience into Rabelaisian thought.

The Activities :

• Heritage Days (in September)
• Rabelaisian Festival (September 17 and 18), a vibrant celebration of Rabelais' legacy

Other attractions :

• The herb gardens , a true haven of greenery where medicinal plants cultivated in Rabelais' time can be found.
• The dovecote and the writer's childhood home , witnesses to the past of the famous humanist
• Educational workshops and themed visits to deepen the discovery of Rabelais' work and life

A shop is available on site, and for those wishing to extend their visit, catering and hotel options are available in Chinon, just 10 km away.

The Rabelais Museum – Maison de La Devinière is a must-see for enthusiasts of Renaissance literature, history, and culture. Come explore the world of one of the greatest writers in our heritage and discover the many treasures of this legendary place.

Visiting hours :

• From April 1st to June 30th : every day from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• From July 1st to August 31st : every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• September and October : every day from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• From November 1st to March 31st : every day except Tuesday, from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The museum is closed on December 25th and January 1st .

Prices :

• Full price : €7.50
• Reduced rate (groups of 10 or more, students, teachers, disabled persons, holders of tourist passports): €6.50
• Children's workshop (for a minimum of 2 adults and one child): €10 per child
• School pass (per student): €4
• Free for children under 7, Social*, press*, ICOM*, tour guide*

Free guided tour (45 minutes) available for groups by reservation.

* Social benefits: RSA recipients and job seekers * Upon presentation of a valid proof of eligibility