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Museums

Manoir de l'Automobile

4.8 · 4,271 reviews
Nostalgic and mechanical
Manoir de l'Automobile, 4 Rue de la Cour Neuve, 35550 Lohéac, France
Interesting facts
1

The museum grounds are situated adjacent to the Circuit de Lohéac, one of Europe's premier rallycross tracks.

2

The collection includes rare vehicles like the Ventury and various forgotten French coachbuilt models.

3

The onsite 'Village des Artisans' showcases traditional crafts that are often overlooked in standard automotive museums.

4

Michel Hommell, the founder, was a notable automotive magazine publisher who used his personal network to source vehicles.

5

The museum houses a specialized room dedicated specifically to the history and evolution of the Alpine brand.

6

The dioramas within the museum are constructed to scale, featuring thousands of miniature model cars.

7

The facility serves as a recurring venue for the 'Lohéac Rallycross' events, attracting international drivers.

8

The manor's original architecture was restored specifically to provide a historical contrast to the modern machinery exhibited inside.

Overview

Manoir de l'Automobile is a comprehensive automotive museum located in the village of Lohéac, Brittany, housed within an authentic 17th-century manor house. The collection spans over 15,000 square meters of exhibition space, featuring more than 400 vehicles including vintage cars, Formula 1 racers, and prototypes. It was founded in 1985 by rally driver Michel Hommell and publisher Jean-Paul Petit. The museum is integrated into a site that also hosts an active racing circuit. Visitors can view a dedicated gallery focused on the history of French automobiles and a extensive display of horse-drawn carriages. The site frequently hosts automotive events and classic car gatherings throughout the year. It remains one of the largest private collections of its kind in France.

Photo spot

The main courtyard, which features a mix of the stone manor facade and various display vehicles parked in the open.

Insider tips

Combine your visit with a scheduled track day at the adjacent circuit if you enjoy live motorsports.

Allocate extra time to explore the artisan workshops located in the courtyard area.

Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens, as the density of the car displays can make tight shots difficult.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to touch the vehicles, as many are preserved in delicate, unrestored condition; ignore the temptation to rush through the dioramas, as they contain significant historical detail.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays throughout the year.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in the shoulder season (spring or autumn) to avoid large groups from weekend track events.
Address
Manoir de l'Automobile, 4 Rue de la Cour Neuve, 35550 Lohéac, France
47.861, -1.895
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsFormula 1 collection, historical coachbuilt French cars, and 1980s rallycross machines

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in the shoulder season (spring or autumn) to avoid large groups from weekend track events..

The main courtyard, which features a mix of the stone manor facade and various display vehicles parked in the open.

Close by you'll find Photo Festival Gacilly, Les Landes de Cojoux - Megalithes, Brocéliande Gardens.