Les Franciscaines

In the heart of the elegant resort of Deauville lies a unique space — Les Franciscaines. It is not just a museum in the traditional sense, but a vibrant cultural center that brings together history, literature, and contemporary art. France is famous for its ability to breathe new life into ancient buildings, and this project is a shining example of that.

Les Franciscaines. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The center is housed within the walls of a former 19th-century Franciscan monastery, which has been transformed into a bright and open creative hub following an extensive renovation led by architect Alain Moatti. One of the main architectural features is the magnificent glass dome over the former inner courtyard (cloister), which now serves as a cozy hall for reading and social interaction.

Under the roof of Les Franciscaines, a media library, exhibition halls, a digital lab, and a concert venue—set in the old chapel—exist in harmony. Here, every visitor can feel the spirit of Normandy, explore unique book collections, and see works by outstanding artists and photographers.

For more information about current events or to book tickets for performances, you can use the following contact details:

A kaleidoscope of experiences awaits visitors at Les Franciscaines. Be sure to visit the cloister — the central space beneath a monumental chandelier, where you can browse the latest press or simply enjoy the play of light. For art lovers, world-class temporary exhibitions are held regularly: works by Sebastião Salgado and Robert Capa have been shown here, as well as rare Impressionist paintings.

If you are traveling with children, stop by the game library or take part in one of the creative workshops. The former monastery chapel now serves as a venue for theatrical productions, concerts, and film screenings, offering unique acoustics and atmosphere. Digital terminals throughout the center allow you to dive into the history of Deauville and explore its cultural heritage in an interactive format.

For those who want to take a break, there is a café on-site, a pleasant spot to discuss what you've seen over a cup of coffee. Please note that while visiting the building and using the library collections is free, entry to temporary exhibitions usually requires a ticket (around €16 for adults) but provides just as much aesthetic pleasure.

Reaching the cultural center is easy, as it is located in the heart of the city. If you are coming from Paris, the most convenient way is by train departing from Gare Saint-Lazare. The journey to the Deauville-Trouville station takes about two hours, and from there, it is just a 10–15 minute walk to Les Franciscaines.

For those traveling by car, the drive from Paris via the A13 or A29 motorways takes between 2 and 3 hours. There are parking areas near the center, but keep in mind that Deauville itself is very pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions, including the beach and the famous casino, are within walking distance.

If you are staying in nearby towns like Trouville or Caen, you can take regional buses. Additionally, in the warmer months, cycling is a great option — the city has a well-developed network of bike paths and numerous rental points.

The history of this remarkable place began in 1875, when three sisters from the Mérigot family decided to found a shelter for sailors' daughters in Deauville. Initially planned as a hospital, the project evolved, and by 1878, Franciscan nuns from Peru arrived. The community soon received official approval, and the orphanage was named in honor of Saint Joseph.

The building changed its role several times over the years. During World War I, it housed a Red Cross auxiliary hospital specializing in eye injuries for wounded soldiers. Later, in the interwar period, the complex expanded to include the Joan of Arc cinema and a modern clinic, and schools were opened where girls were taught sewing and domestic science.

A new chapter in the ensemble's life began in 2011, when the nuns moved to a new monastery and the city authorities purchased the historic complex. Following an extensive renovation by the Moatti & Rivière agency, the building retained its spirit while transforming into an ultra-modern space. In 2021, Les Franciscaines officially opened its doors as a cultural center, uniting the heritage of the past with the energy of contemporary art.

To explore all the corners of the center at a leisurely pace, see the main exhibitions, and enjoy the architecture, we recommend allowing 2–3 hours for your visit. About an hour is usually spent exploring the temporary displays, while the rest of the time can be spent walking through the cloister and relaxing in the library halls.

If you plan to visit Les Franciscaines with your family or want to study the media library and digital archives in detail, your stay could extend to 4 hours. You should also take into account the timing of performances or film screenings if they are part of your plans.

The Les Franciscaines cultural center is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Guests are welcome from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The center is closed on Mondays.

Please note that the opening hours for exhibition halls and special events may differ from the general schedule. We recommend checking the current timetable on the official website before your visit, especially if you plan to attend a specific concert or performance.

A stroll around the surroundings of Les Franciscaines will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of the Normandy coast. Deauville is a small town but packed with interesting locations, from historic villas to memorial complexes.