Musée ornithologique Charles Payraudeau

The Charles Payraudeau Ornithological Museum is a unique place dedicated to the discovery of avian fauna, located in La Chaize-le-Vicomte, in the Vendée. It houses an impressive collection of over 2,000 naturalised birds, including 1,200 specimens from the western Palaearctic and 800 from the southern hemisphere (equatorial Africa, South America, Australia, etc.).

This collection was bequeathed to the commune in 1868 by Charles Payraudeau (1798-1865), the first zoologist to have inventoried the fauna of the island of Corsica in 1824-1825. His research led to the discovery of two new bird species and 71 species of marine and terrestrial molluscs.

🌿 To discover

Permanent exhibition: More than 400 specimens are on display to the public, offering a fascinating insight into the world's avian diversity.

Molluscs: The collection also includes 71 species of marine and continental molluscs, often unknown to the general public.

Visits: The museum offers guided tours for groups (9 to 19 people) and self-guided tours for individuals. Educational tours are also available on request.

🕒 Opening times

From 2 September to 15 December :

Monday to Friday: 9am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 5pm

Closed at weekends.

Free admission : Under 18s

⚠️ Practical information :

Accessibility: The site is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.