The building served as the actual working gendarmerie of Saint-Tropez from 1879 until 2003.
The facade remains largely unchanged since the filming of the 1964 comedy classic that brought international fame to the site.
The collection includes authentic documents and artifacts related to the history of the French Gendarmerie Nationale.
It is one of the few museums in the world where the physical setting of a famous movie series is preserved as a permanent exhibit.
The museum organizes rotating exhibitions that highlight various aspects of Saint-Tropez's influence on the 20th-century film industry.
The Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma is housed in the former Saint-Tropez gendarmerie building, famously immortalized by the 'Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez' film series starring Louis de Funès. The museum explores the historical role of the local gendarmerie while detailing how the town became a global epicenter for cinema production. Permanent exhibits trace the architectural evolution of the building from its construction in 1879 to its transformation into a cultural institution. Visitors can view original costumes, film scripts, and archival footage that highlight the intersection of French pop culture and coastal law enforcement. The ground floor replicates the original 1960s police office, maintaining original interior design elements. The upper levels are dedicated to thematic cinematic displays covering Saint-Tropez as a film set for international productions since the 1930s. The site remains a focal point for film history enthusiasts visiting the French Riviera.
Directly in front of the iconic facade on Place Blanqui, which mirrors the famous film set.
Visit during the off-season to avoid large crowds of fans gathering near the main entrance.
Look for the original prison cells which are now integrated into the museum's exhibition layout.
Check the museum's official website before visiting for information on current temporary cinematic exhibitions.
Do not expect a functional police station; this is a museum, not a law enforcement facility.
Closed on certain public holidays and may have adjusted seasonal schedules during the winter months.
