Musée de la Poupée (Doll Museum)

Musée de la Poupée (Doll Museum) Review

Providing an impressive overview of dolls through the ages, this charming museum is a little girl's dream. Here you'll see dolls made from Bisque porcelain, sturdy wood, soft cotton, delicate papier mâché, plus the first plastic dolls from the early 20th century. Some play music, others make tea. Cases lining the walls are stocked with baby dolls, minidolls (mignonettes), and grown-up lady dolls in satin dresses—the foremothers of Barbie. There are also antique toy prams, high chairs, and tattered teddy bears in need of a hug. Too extensive to show at one time, the permanent collection changes frequently and can be arranged by period or theme. Temporary exhibitions might focus on Barbie's evolution or offer a classic look at postwar French dolls. Workshops allow kids to make a doll to take home (they're in French but the mostly bilingual staff is happy to speak English; call ahead to confirm). There's also a doll hospital and a well-stocked gift shop onsite.