L'Aventure Michelin is the company museum of the Michelin tyre maker, set in a renovated early 20th century factory building in Clermont-Ferrand, where the company was founded. Its 2,000 square metre route moves through separate areas on bicycles, cars, aircraft, railways and advertising, spread over two levels. Many displays invite touch, and the route ends with racing simulators. Adults and older children get the most from it, and families with young children also visit.
From factory to museum
Michelin was founded in Clermont-Ferrand in 1889 by André and Édouard Michelin, and the history of the city is closely tied to the tyre maker. The museum occupies an old factory building from the early 20th century. The building was completely renovated, and its industrial character remains in the setting.
The company is now a leading tyre manufacturer worldwide, and it is the biggest single employer in Clermont-Ferrand. It also developed whole districts for its workers.
How the route is laid out
The route is a chronological and thematic walk through about 2,000 square metres. Each area has its own atmosphere and contents, and visitors move from one world to the next: bicycles, automobiles, aeronautics, railways and advertising.
The displays include maps from 1905 to 1910, road guides, and a Michelin railcar from the 1930s, designed to run on the pneumatic tyre. Nearby is the Éclair, a car that took part in an early motor race, and a World War I biplane linked to Michelin.
The first removable tyre and the Michelin Man
In 1889 the brothers were running a rubber factory in Clermont-Ferrand when they developed a removable pneumatic tyre for bicycles. Two years later, a rider using these tyres won Paris-Brest-Paris, the first long-distance cycle race and an early ancestor of today's Tour de France.
Bibendum, the Michelin Man, became the company's mascot. The museum shows how the character came to be and how the brand used it in its advertising.
Planning the visit
Explanations are given in French and in English, which helps visitors who do not speak French.
The gift shop sells souvenirs, books, children's games and gifts that include unpublished images from the company archives. Items from the eco-responsible range are sold in the shop and online. The shop can be visited without paying admission.
The route ends with the Cloud Catcher, an exploration game, and the racing simulators. It also looks ahead to the Michelin Vision Concept, which aims for 100 percent recycled and recyclable tyres by 2050.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the museum has an admission fee. The gift shop can be visited without paying admission.
How long do you need?
Plan two to three hours, since the route covers two levels and has many interactive stops.
Is it suitable for children?
Children around 8 to 10 years old or older tend to get the most from the visit. Younger children can enjoy the interactive parts, and the racing simulators at the end are a draw for kids.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms and car park are listed as wheelchair accessible. The museum also offers a hearing loop and assisted listening devices.
Do I need to book ahead?
Advance tickets are recommended.
