About an hour outside of Paris, by the sleepy town of Gallardon, there’s a charming museum of antique bicycles and early vehicle inventions that is a must-see for anyone who has even a slight interest in cycling.

At the site of a former merchandise hall of the SNCF (The French National Railway company), the Musée Ateliers des Pionniers is a wonderful museum of early innovations and pioneers in transport. In this time of electric bikes, it’s truly fascinating to see inventions such as steam-powered and early motor-assisted bicycles.

There are permanent collections about the golden age of bicycles and cycling pioneers, as well as several interactive exhibits that bring early technological breakthroughs to life. There’s also a rotation of temporary displays that feature fascinating, obscure antique vehicles. 

This is a tiny museum, in no way on the same grand scale of the ones in nearby Paris. As a result, it feels more personal and like a collection derived from passion rather than profit and is a delightful escape from the more touristy spots.