Cultural outings organised by the association
Registration for outings is open approximately 4 weeks in advance.
To register for an outing, simply print out and return the form available under the description of each outing, together with a cheque made payable to the Friends of the Museums, to the following address:
Association of Friends of the Museums
Antoine Vivenel et de la Figurine
2 bis, rue d'Austerlitz
60200 Compiègne
(The various registration forms are in pdf format, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview)
Exit 2026
▪▪▪ The Louvre-Lens and the mining region
Thursday 22 January 2026
Louvre-Lens: guided tour of the "Gothic" exhibition.
The museum offers a broad overview of Gothic art from the 12th to the 21st century, from the art of cathedrals to contemporary culture, through a variety of works (sculptures, drawings, paintings, stained glass windows, manuscripts, etc.). A journey through time to better understand this historic artistic language, which is still very much alive.
Free admission to the Galerie du Temps, part of the permanent collections.
Covering an area of 3,000 m2, the Galerie du Temps presents 250 masterpieces from the collections of the Louvre and other major national museums, in a chronological and multidisciplinary tour. Twelve years after its creation, the museum has completely renewed the works on display, rekindling visitors' curiosity.
Guided tour of the mining town of Lens.
Bus tour with stops.
Lens is at the heart of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais coalfield, which has been a World Heritage Site since 2012. Our tour will take an in-depth look at the industrial and social life linked to the mine, the heritage preserved and the challenges of its conversion. The tour will also help us to understand why the Louvre-Lens national museum, built on a former pithead, now embodies the hope of social and economic renewal for the coalfield.
Lens is at the heart of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais coalfield, which has been a World Heritage Site since 2012. Our tour will take an in-depth look at the industrial and social life linked to the mine, the heritage preserved and the challenges of its conversion. The tour will also help us to understand why the Louvre-Lens national museum, built on a former pithead, now embodies the hope of social and economic renewal for the coalfield.
Output 2025
▪▪▪ The Ardennes, around Rethel
Thursday 20 November 2025
Novion-Porcien: guided tour of the War and Peace Museum.
On three occasions, the Ardennes were at the heart of the Franco-German conflicts that shaped contemporary Europe. This museum is dedicated to them, focusing on the human and material aspects of the wars of 1870, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.
Juniville: guided tour of the Paul Verlaine Museum.
Located in the former Lion d'0r inn, where the poet wrote from 1880 to 1882. Preserved in its original state and with the "Maison des Illustres" label, this place will allow us to evoke the crazy life and work of the "accursed poet".
Asfeld: guided tour of the church of Saint-Didier.
One of the most surprising churches in France. At the request of its patron, the building, rebuilt in 1680, was inspired by the shape of a musical instrument. Its curvilinear shape is reminiscent of a viola da gamba. The use of brick for its construction makes it unique in the region.
▪▪▪ Reims: the cathedral and the art of reconstruction
Thursday 16 October 2025
Notre-Dame Cathedral and walking trail.
Guided tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Three times burnt down, three times rebuilt, the Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts has been restored to its original state, but also in an innovative way, since its framework is made of concrete.
A walking tour will then be devoted to the heritage of the 1920s, a symbol of the city's ability to rise from the ruins of the First World War. Reims offers an eclectic mix of neo-classical, late Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture.
Chemin Vert garden city and Saint-Nicaise church.
Take a guided tour of the Chemin Vert garden city, designed according to the principles of urban hygiene and modern architecture, and theSaint-Nicaise church, an example of the religious architecture of the 1920s. The church features frescoes by Maurice Denis, stained glass windows by René Lalique and paintings by Gustave Louis Jaulmes, all renowned artists involved in the revival of sacred art.
▪▪▪ Lives of castles
Thursday 3 April 2025
Condé-en-Brie: guided tour of the château of the Princes of Condé, Bourbon and Savoy.
Bought by the Marquis de la Faye in the 18th century, the Renaissance hunting lodge was transformed by G. N. Servandoni, architect, painter and theatre decorator.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the château is a private residence, inhabited all year round. We will be welcomed by its owner.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the château is a private residence, inhabited all year round. We will be welcomed by its owner.
Nesles: visit the remains of the medieval castle (early 13th century).
This castle is one of the most perfect examples of military architecture under Philippe-Auguste. Taken by the English during the Hundred Years' War, the castle became the property of Guillaume de Flavy, former captain-governor of Compiègne.
Guided tour by its owner.
Guided tour by its owner.
▪▪▪ Matisse, the master of colour
Thursday 30 January 2025
Bohain-en-Vermandois: guided tour of Henri Matisse's family home.
Born in Cateau-Cambrésis in 1869, Matisse spent his youth in Bohain-en-Vermandois, working in the family grain mill. Designated a "Maison des Illustres", the house has retained the atmosphere of the late 19th century, with a reconstruction of the painter's studio and bedroom.
Le Cateau-Cambrésis: guided tour of the Musée Départemental Henri Matisse.
Located in the former Palais Fénelon, the museum was created in 1952 by Matisse himself, and reopened in November 2024. Renovated and enlarged, it provides an insight into the diversity of the painter's work, which included sculpture, engraving, illustration and stained glass. It boasts one of the largest Matisse collections in the world.
Updated on 20 January 2026
Association of Friends of the Museums
Antoine Vivenel et de la Figurine
aMAVFH 2010-2026