Musée De La Cohue

Musée de la Cohue Vannes: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Vannes Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Musée de la Cohue, located in the heart of Vannes, Brittany, is a premier destination for those interested in art, history, and heritage. Housed within a building dating back to the 13th century, the museum offers a unique blend of medieval architecture, civic history, and rich artistic collections. This guide provides comprehensive details on the museum’s history, collections, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and tips for exploring Vannes’ vibrant historical quarter.

Introduction
History and Architectural Evolution
Collections and Exhibitions
Cultural Significance and Museum Role
Visitor Information
Enhancing Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Summary
References and Further Reading

History and Architectural Evolution

Medieval Origins and Early Civic Functions

The Cohue was constructed in the 13th century as a covered market hall, known in Breton as “Koc’hu” or “coc’hui.” Commissioned by the Dukes of Brittany, it quickly became a central hub for commerce and governance in Vannes (bretagne-tourisme.com; guide-tourisme-france.com). The ground floor teemed with market stalls, while the upper floor hosted the ducal and later royal court of justice, cementing the building’s dual civic and economic role.

Architectural Expansion and Political Significance

Successive centuries witnessed significant modifications. In the 14th century, the hall was expanded with additional bays to accommodate growing market and civic needs. The 15th-century addition of a grand upper hall, with original gable walls and stone benches, provided a dignified space for judicial proceedings. This upper hall gained historical prominence during the late 17th century, when the Parliament of Brittany, exiled from Rennes, convened here from 1675 to 1689 (bretagne-tourisme.com; golfedumorbihan.bzh).

Post-Revolutionary Adaptations

After the French Revolution, the Cohue’s judicial function ended. The building became municipal property in 1813 and was repurposed throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries—as a fire station, theater, and even temporary barracks. Notable renovations in 1819 reshaped the façade facing rue des Halles, while the structure continued to adapt to Vannes’ changing needs (fr.wikipedia.org).

Restoration and Museum Inauguration

Threatened by disrepair by the mid-20th century, the Cohue was designated a Monument Historique in 1929, safeguarding its architectural integrity. Major restoration works in the 1970s and early 1980s paved the way for its transformation into the Musée des Beaux-Arts, officially opened in 1982 (golfedumorbihan.bzh).

Collections and Exhibitions

Permanent Collections

The museum’s permanent displays emphasize Breton art and its evolution within the broader currents of French and European art:

16th to 19th Century Paintings: Works by French and European artists tracing the evolution from Baroque to Romanticism.
Breton Artists: Paintings and graphics by Louis-Flavien Peslin, Jeanne-Marie Barbey, Jules Noël, Maxime Maufra, Henry Moret, Ferdinand Loyen du Puigaudeau, Jean Frélaut, and Joseph-Félix Bouchor vividly portray the landscapes and life of Brittany.
Sculptures and Decorative Arts: Polychrome wooden sculptures (14th–16th centuries), goldsmith works, and regional artifacts illuminate Brittany’s rich craftsmanship (guide-tourisme-france.com).

Special Focus: Espace Geneviève Asse

A highlight of the first floor is the Espace Geneviève Asse, dedicated to the luminous blue compositions of the celebrated Breton artist. Established following her substantial donation in 2013, this gallery bridges contemporary works with the building’s medieval ambiance (guide-tourisme-france.com).

Temporary Exhibitions: “Les dessous des musées”

Through March 31, 2025, the interactive exhibition “Les dessous des musées” offers a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations (letelegramme.fr). This bilingual, family-friendly display showcases:

Museum curation, conservation, and exhibition planning
Collaborative displays with the Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie
Interactive stations and hands-on activities
Multilingual and accessible design for broad inclusivity

Cultural Significance and Museum Role

The Cohue’s journey—from market hall to seat of justice, theater, and now museum—mirrors the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings throughout France. Its collections and exhibitions reinforce a strong regional identity while engaging with contemporary artistic innovation. The museum fosters community engagement through educational programs, guided tours, and participation in major cultural events like the European Night of Museums (golfedumorbihan.bzh; destination-france-voyage.com).

Plans are underway to relocate the museum to Château de l’Hermine, providing expanded space and improved conservation facilities (actu.fr).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

July 1 – October 14: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
October 15 – June 30: 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm (Tuesday–Sunday)
Full price: €7 (includes combined entry to the Museum of History and Archaeology at Château Gaillard)
Concessions: €5
Free: Under 25s

Check the official museum website for seasonal variations and updates (whichmuseum.com; alongdustyroads.com).

Accessibility and Facilities

Ground Floor: Fully accessible; upper floors may have limited access due to the historic structure (guide-tourisme-france.com).
Services: Guided tours, educational workshops, and accessible restrooms.
Contact: +33 2 97 01 63 00 | [email protected]

Location and Travel Tips

Address: 15 Place Saint-Pierre, Vannes (opposite Vannes Cathedral)
Transport: Central and pedestrian-friendly, easily reached from the train station; nearby parking available.
Surroundings: Proximity to cafés, markets, and historic streets (thecrazytourist.com; touristsecrets.com).

Enhancing Your Visit

Guided Tours, Events, and Workshops

Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages; provide rich context on art, architecture, and history.
Workshops for Children and Families: Creative, hands-on activities offered throughout the year (touristsecrets.com).

Nearby Attractions in Vannes

Vannes Cathedral: Directly opposite the museum.
Medieval City Walls and Old Town: Explore timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and vibrant markets.
Château Gaillard: Museum of History and Archaeology included in the combined ticket (alongdustyroads.com).

Visual and Virtual Resources

Images and Virtual Tours: Available on the official website and tourism portals.
Suggested Alt Tags: “Musée de la Cohue exterior view,” “Interior vaulted ceiling Musée de la Cohue,” “Fine arts painting at Musée de la Cohue,” “Interactive exhibit at Les dessous des musées exhibition.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: July 1 – October 14: 10:00 am–6:00 pm daily; October 15 – June 30: 1:30 pm–6:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: €7 full price (includes combined entry with Museum of History and Archaeology), €5 concessions, free for under 25s.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
A: The ground floor is accessible; access to upper levels may be limited due to the building’s age.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; book in advance for detailed insights.

Q: Can I take photographs in the museum?
A: Photography without flash is permitted in most areas; videography may require permission.

Q: Are there family-friendly activities?
A: Yes, regular workshops and interactive exhibits cater to children and families.

Conclusion and Summary

The Musée de la Cohue is a cornerstone of Vannes’ historical and cultural landscape, seamlessly uniting medieval architecture, regional art, and contemporary programming. Its central location, diverse collections, engaging exhibitions like “Les dessous des musées,” and visitor-friendly amenities make it essential for anyone exploring Vannes. Use this guide to plan your visit, and consider combining your museum tour with Vannes’ other historical treasures and local markets.

Download the Audiala app for audio guides, interactive maps, and exclusive content. Follow the museum on social media and check their official website for the latest updates on exhibitions, guided tours, and special events.