French Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Chateau de Savigny Museum


Address: Rue du Général Leclerc, 21420 Savigny-lès-Beaune, France
Website: chateau-savigny.com

The five hundred year old Chateau de Savigny holds one of the largest motorcycle collections in France with some 250 to 300 motorcycles on display.

Highlights of the collection: One of the three known examples of Givaudan, along with the works of Louis Clément, Blériot and Anzani - all aviation pioneers.

There are of course many examples of Terrot, whose factory was just a few kilometres from the chateau.

The museum has a remarkable collection of 2500 scale model aircraft which illustrates the history of aviation, and displays a handsome array of Abarth racing cars.

Elsewhere in the castle grounds and halls are numerous aviation exhibits including not a few military aircraft - Mirage, Mystères, Fouga, Sikorsky...

From the Chateau's website:

    "One of the major motorcycle museums of France. Nearly 250 motorcycles, dating from 1902 to 1960, of almost all origins. From ecclesiastical belt types to racing motorcycles. Prestigious makes: Norton, Vincent, Gilera, Velocette, MV, Rudge, AJS, Terrot, Honda, Bleriot, Peugeot, BSA, NSU, Horex, Sarolea. From the motorcycle of Jean Mermoz to that of G. Monneret through that of Chanoine Kir."