Our take
Murat's former sub-prefecture, a 16th-century town house, holds more than 8,000 species of insects from around the world and nearly 800 taxidermy mammals and birds, staged in recreated habitats. Free for under-6s.
A wolf, nearly 800 taxidermy animals and more than 8,000 species of insects in a 16th-century town house in Murat. The perfect refuge on a rainy day.
Municipal natural history museum in Murat (Cantal), on Rue Porte de la Garde, housed in the former sub-prefecture, a 16th-century town house. After the sub-prefecture was abolished in 1926, the building became the Maison de la Faune.
On four levels, you discover more than 8,000 species of insects, butterflies and beetles from around the world, and nearly 800 taxidermy mammals and birds, shown in recreated habitats with a soundscape. A wolf joined the collection in 2019.
Admission is €5 for an adult, €3 for a child, free for under-6s (2026 prices). Opening is seasonal: the 2026 season ends with an opening from 19 to 31 October, Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.
Why we love it
- A taxidermy wolf, which joined the collection in 2019
- More than 8,000 species of insects, butterflies and beetles from around the world
- The perfect refuge on a rainy day in Murat
Top tip
Murat is a Petite Cité de Caractère (a heritage label for small towns): continue on foot into the old town. For the cheese side, the Maison du Buronnier, a former buron (stone herders' hut) turned museum, is over towards Laveissière. Ideal for a rainy day in the mountains.
Before you go
- On rainy days in the mountains, it is the obvious refuge in Murat.
- For the cheese side, go on to the Maison du Buronnier, over towards Laveissière
- Admission €5 for an adult, €3 for a child, free for under-6s (2026 prices)
Practical info
- Address
- Pl. de l'Hôtel de ville, 15300 Murat, France
15300 Murat - MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday14h–18h
- Thursday14h–18h
- Friday14h–18h
- Saturday14h–18h
- TodayClosed
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 127 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
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It's for you if
- You are coming as a family: free for under-6s
- You want to see a wolf and hundreds of taxidermy birds and mammals up close
- You are looking for a plan B on rainy days in the Cantal
Give it a miss if
- You are coming in November: the museum's 2026 season ends on 31 October
- You prefer to watch live animals in the wild
Your logbook
Around Maison de la Faune
6 spots in and around Murat, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
€€Crêperie Chez Laurette
4.6Murat · a 5-minute walk away
Fromagerie Caldera
4.8Murat · a 5-minute walk away
L'Arôme Antique
4.6Murat · a 5-minute walk away
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Murat. Availability and online booking.
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On foot
On footFrom Allanche to Chalinargues via the Bois de la Pinatelle (stage 1 of the Découverte intime du Cézallier multi-day route)
Start: Place du Cézallier à Allanche
- 15.1 km
- +383 m
- 4 h
Worth a read
Articles and guides that mention this place.
Guide
Vacances d'hiver dans le Cantal : où se poser en famille, avec ou sans ski
Raquettes, luge, sources chaudes, musées et bowling : notre guide de février dans le Cantal, en famille, avec les dates des vacances et les horaires utiles.
Guide
Le Lioran en hiver : le ski dans le Cantal, et ce qui vous attend hors des pistes
150 hectares entre 1 160 et 1 855 m, 42,90 € la journée, une gare SNCF au pied des pistes et un téléphérique inauguré en présence de Pompidou. Le Lioran en hiver, sans emballage.
Hikes around Maison de la Faune
On footOn footFrom Allanche to Chalinargues via the Bois de la Pinatelle (stage 1 of the Découverte intime du Cézallier multi-day route)
Start: Place du Cézallier à Allanche
- 15.1 km
- +383 m
- 4 h
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