Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne reveals its cultural history on several different scales: at Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, medieval building phases meet choir stalls made of walnut wood. The Musée des Costumes, Arts et Traditions Populaires covers topics ranging from costumes from the Maurienne to the history of the House of Savoy. In addition, the Route de l’Opinel connects the Musée Opinel with Albiez-le-Vieux. During your stay, you can therefore choose between architecture, regional collections and a named cultural route.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and Cloister
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral is located in the town centre. Its main masonry was built in the 11th century. The choir is Flamboyant Gothic and has a ciborium. One particularly specific feature of its furnishings is the 83 walnut choir stalls: they were completed in 1498 and are attributed to woodcarver Pierre Mochet.
The cloister adds its own architectural history to the church. Construction began from 1450 onwards; it replaced an older cloister already mentioned in a document from 1211. The cloister has been classified as a historic monument since 1899. For orientation, it lies between the cathedral and the canons’ refectory. This means that architectural and decorative details from different centuries stand side by side in the same place: the main masonry from the 11th century, the cloister dating from 1450 onwards, and the choir stalls completed in 1498.
The seasonal visitor programme for 2026 lists a guided tour. It takes visitors through the choir with its Gothic choir stalls, the side aisles and chapels, and the cloister, which leads to the crypt room. Check the current dates before your visit.
The Maurienne and Savoy in the Museum
The Musée des Costumes, Arts et Traditions Populaires is housed in the former bishop’s palace. Its topics include costumes from the Maurienne, as well as tools and household objects from everyday life in the past. The collections also cover archaeology, religious art and the history of the House of Savoy.
A reconstructed Maurienne living interior, showing communal life, is set up in the museum’s former bishop’s chapel. This means that, alongside the collection areas, a living interior is also a focus. You can choose according to your interests: if you want to understand architectural phases and sacred furnishings, focus on the cathedral; if you are interested in costumes, everyday objects or the history of Savoy, you will find these topics in the museum.
Musée Opinel and Getting There
The Musée Opinel is located in the town centre of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Its permanent exhibition consists of two rooms. As the display may change, it is worth checking the current presentation before your trip.
The Route de l’Opinel connects the Musée Opinel in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne with Albiez-le-Vieux and is 16 kilometres long. The exhibition and the route offer different scales: the permanent exhibition is set out in two rooms, while the route describes a 16-kilometre connection between two places.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne station is listed as the train destination for a visit to the Musée Opinel. If you are planning to travel by train, check the current connections before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Entremont-Le-Vieux, Levassaix, Modane, La Perrière, Salins-Les-Thermes, Saint-Colomban-Des-Villards, Bellentre, Chignin
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
