Presentation
The Customs National museum presents the history of the customs administration from the Modern Times to our days. It presents the construction of the French state and it relations with the world. Unique in France, this museum proposes an original and unexpected re-discovery of French history through that of one of the oldest administrations. The collections of artefacts and works of art illustrate the evolution of the organisation of the customs, the influence of economic theories on the counrty, the bonds between the customs and the army, the development of the means of transport and smuggling, etc.
The exhibit is organised in 2 sections : a historical presentation covering the period of 17th at the 19th century, and a thematic section that shows the daily work of customs agents, through their uniforms, their weapons and their tools. It also presents the main traffics and smuggling thanks to the spectacular seizures displayed. For those who want to learn more about french customs history, the historical Information center answers at the requests and genealogical researches thanks to its library, its archives and media library.
The museum bookshop sale a selection of books and works about customs and customs history, as well as stories of smuggling. Objects inspired by the collections of the museum are available : figurines, engravings, pens, without forgetting postcards and the posters of the temporary exhibitions. The objects and works are on sale only on the spot.
Free visit documents are available on request at the museum entrance to help you troughout the collections.