Paris1972-Versailles2003

This is a quant town very near Paris and very direct public transport-wise. We have passed it many times and visited several times especially when living in Versailles. It has one interesting sight that we enjoyed having young  men with us and that is the  Toys Museum of Poissy! Let me update this post and tell you more of it. Hope you enjoy as I.

So now bring you back to childhood, I think we all have in us forever. I told you this was a nice town easily reach from Paris on the RER A once out of station turn right go up the hilly road past the Collegiale Church ND (see post) and you see the panel indicating the Toy Museum of Poissy or the Musée du Jouet Pierre Pinel de Poissy.

This is a magical children place and young adults who remember playing with some of these toys in years past. I brought my boys here and they were eye open all the time at the marvels here. Of course, this is for young children especially I would say less than 14, generally. But,did I said, adults young at heart can enjoy it too, lol; then bring on all the family. It is fun and worth the detour in nice Poissy. 

The Musée du Jouet Pierre Pinel or the Pierre Pinel Toy Museum, named after the mayor in place at the time, is located in Poissy, Yvelines, dept 78 not far from the Collegiale Church , and dedicated to toys and children’s games. It is housed in the 14C poterie of the old abbey of Poissy, the former Royal Priory of Saint Louis, dismantled after the French revolution. It presents about 800 games and toys dated between 1850 and 1950, demonstrating a way of playing sometimes gone, but mostly timeless, beyond fashion and technology. They are industrial toys, mostly French and German, widely distributed from the middle of the 19C.  Created and opened in 1974 by Pierre Pinel from where the name of the complete museum is the Toy Museum Pierre Pinel, which during the period of construction and inauguration was the mayor of the city of Poissy. In July 2016 the Toy Museum closes its doors for modernization, reopening in May 11, 2019.

On the first floor, a room that reminds the granaries of our grandparents, restores full of treasures: Electric train networks, doll houses..exposed after experiencing a hectic life. We discover, for the joy of the little ones as the greatest:p orcelain dolls, shop, Teddy bear, rocking horses, cars, electric trains and many other surprises. The presentation of the collections is regularly renewed around thematic exhibitions which allow to evoke slices of the history of the city.

Playgrounds are arranged throughout the course for a playful and interactive visit and numerous animations, workshops and shows are offered throughout the year to the family public.  An interactive kiosk shows ancient magic tricks.  Animations and temporary exhibitions with workshops, magic and puppet shows help to animate this already pleasant visit. Games courses are offered according to the ages.  Art workshops and the traditional egg hunt during the Easter holidays. During the summer holidays, open-air workshops. Collections evolve and new objects are regularly presented to the public.

Some webpages to help you plan your trip here are:

The city of Poissy on the toys museum: https://www.ville-poissy.fr/index.php/sport-culture/equipements-culturels/musee-du-jouet.html

The Poissy tourist office on the toys museum: https://www.poissy-tourisme.fr/annuaire/fiche/musee-du-jouet

The Yvelines dept 78 tourist board on the toys museum of Poissy: http://www.sortir-yvelines.fr/Art-et-culture/Art-et-culture-dans-les-Yvelines/musee-yvelines/musee-jouet-Poissy

There you go something light and fun with the whole family and not so far from Paris,  it is not well known to visitors. It should be another shot if coming with young children is a must , I say. The Toy Museum of Poissy!

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!