Legacy of the Payraudeau collections 1868 (≈ 1868)
The municipality receives the complete collections.
1994
Rehabilitation of the museum
Rehabilitation of the museum 1994 (≈ 1994)
Major restoration of bird collections.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Charles Payraudeau - Naturalist and collector
Bequeathed 2,000 species of birds and 71 molluscs.
Origin and history
The Charles-Payraudeau Ornithological Museum has its origin in the exceptional legacy made to the municipality of La Chaize-le-Vicomte in 1868. This legacy included the entire collection of naturalist Charles Payraudeau, a remarkable collection of birds and molluscs, the result of his research and exploration. This scientific heritage, first preserved under modest conditions, has been gradually valued to become a museum dedicated to ornithology and malacology.
In 1994, a complete renovation of the museum was undertaken, marking a decisive step in the preservation and enhancement of collections. This project has resulted in a careful restoration of bird specimens, some of which date back to the 19th century. Today, this restoration is continuing, in order to ensure the optimal conservation of the 2,000 species of birds and 71 species of molluscs, while making them accessible to the public.
The museum's collection is distinguished by its geographical and scientific diversity. It is home to 1,200 western palearctic birds, a region covering Europe, North Africa and much of Asia, as well as 800 birds from the southern hemisphere, including specimens from Equatorial Africa, South America and Australia. Of these species, 310 are specific to western Europe, with a majority observable in Vendée, making it a valuable tool for the study of local avifauna. The museum also highlights invertebrates, often unknown, through a collection of marine and continental molluscs inventoried by Charles Payraudeau.
Located in the town hall of La Chaize-le-Vicomte, the museum benefits from the label 'Musée de France', a recognition of the quality of its collections and its commitment to the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Its exact address, 18 Place du Champ de Foire, makes it a central place in the commune, easily accessible to visitors. The museum plays a key role in raising public awareness of biodiversity and natural history, while honouring the legacy of Charles Payraudeau, a naturalist whose work continues to inform contemporary research.
