Le Grenier de Capou-An Attic Full Of Rural French History

Have you ever visited a “vide grenier” in France? The term literally means to “empty out the attic”. It’s a rummage or yard sale where there can be great finds. In Soulages-Bonneval, there is a “grenier” or attic like no other. It’s called “Le Grenier de Capou” and is comprised of two large buildings (barns) covering 1200m². They’re filled with thousands of items that go back decades. However, nothing is for sale. It is, in fact a heritage museum, with items on display that tell much about the history of the northern Aveyron and the family that owns it.

My visit to Capou’s Attic was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had. It was like travelling back in time and discovering what it was like to live in the area in bygone days. If you ever find yourself in the Aveyron department of southern France, near Laguiole (where they make those famous knives), DO make an appointment to visit this amazing place.

Le Grenier de Capou-Capou’s Attic Museum

Marie-Therese Capoulade at Le Grenier de Capou

I met up with Marie-Thérèse Capoulade in the courtyard beside her family farm, La Crestilie. In addition to an old truck and Citroën 2CV car on display, there was a sheltered space with a big “Le Grenier de Capou” sign, picnic benches, and two amusing cut-out images: a donkey and a caricature of her late husband, Raymond Capoulade, the man who created Le Grenier de Capou.

Why the donkey? Raymond had been a farmer and he called his farm, “La ferme de l’âne heureux” (“The Happy Donkey Farm”). The name was a nod to his teacher who had called him a donkey. He replied, “A donkey yes! But a happy donkey! “.

[I wonder if his teacher made him wear the “bonnet d’âne” after calling him a donkey? In English, this literally means the “donkey cap” and we know it as a “dunce’s cap”.]

Raymond Capoulade

Raymond Capoulade spent the last 30 years of his life collecting almost 5,000 “objets ordinaries” (ordinary objects). He promoted the “attic” and heritage of the northern Aveyron even as far as Paris (at the Paris Agricultural Show). Raymond died in August 2023 at the age of 80, but his family continues to maintain the treasures and share anecdotes about the history of the area, its heritage and their ancestors.

The objects I saw are related to family life from decades ago as well as to the trades and professions of yesteryear (ie. farmers, winemakers, teachers, and shoemakers). They came from the attics and farms of the nearby villages and the items were often passed down from generation to generation, They were collected and purchased by, or donated to Raymond.

Recognition

In 2005, the Ministry of Culture and Communication awarded the “Chevalier de l’Ordre des arts et lettres” (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) to Raymond Capoulade. This honour is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to French arts and culture. Raymond’s award was in recognition of his work in creating a museum about rural life in Aubrac.

Marie-Thérèse showed me a display of articles about Raymond as well as many photos with Raymond in his usual uniform: a black vest or waistcoat, black pants, white shirt, red scarf and a large black hat.

Ordinary Objects Of Rural French Life – Curious and Amusing Treasures

Bikes, cars and signs-Le Grenier de Capou

Marie-Thérèse led me into the first barn, where she explained the history behind many of the objects, and shared some interesting anecdotes. There were thousands of items in the two buildings, all carefully organized into themes or types of professions. I’ve included some that were particularly amusing and worth mentioning.

1. Bikes, Cars, Trucks, A Sleigh, A Bus, And A Plane

In this barn, which is over 350 years old, I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer volume of antique cars, bikes, and trucks, many of which were family-owned, going back generations. Some were on the ground and some were hanging from the rafters. There were also automobile and gas signs everywhere. One special item hanging from high was Grandfather Raymond’s red, wooden sled, with “Père Noël” written on the front.

In the other barn was a school bus from the 1940s or 1950s and a plane from WWI with information about the pilot who flew the plane, Georges Viallet. In February 1917, he attacked well-armed enemy planes at close range and forced them to land in mountainous terrain.

2. Strict Classroom Of The 1940s and 1950s

Teacher, classroom, materials at Le Grenier de Capou

And then there’s the recreated school room, complete with wooden desks and benches, workbooks, chalkboards, slates for the students to write on (using chalk), bottles of ink, scientific scales, and other classroom materials! I was especially amused by the addition of the mannequin portraying the teacher (with a discipline stick perhaps?)

Most humorous was the poster listing the punishments for misbehaviours, such as:

talking while the teacher is talking
being in a bad mood
bad handwriting
spilling the inkwell

The punishment for making fun of a classmate? Write 50 lines!

3. The Evils Of Alcohol Poster

How about putting up this poster today? It is entitled, “Alcohol, the enemy” and shows the “before” and “after” image of a man who drank (too much?).

4. Comfy School Bus?

Inside 1940s school bus: velour and leather seats at Le Grenier de Capou

The interior of the bus was plain although the seats were leather with accents of velour! And check out its roof? Beautiful wood!

5. For The Home

Looking at these photos of the wooden washing machine, and cast iron laundry stove that heats up many irons reminds me how easy we have it today!

6. From The Farm And Outdoors

As I walked through the barns I kept coming upon items that were hand crafted such as the large log lying in a aisle way. It was a tree trunk that had been transformed into a trough for cows to drink water from.

There was also a whole display of taxidermied animals nicely arranged in a forest setting. There were big mammals, little mammals, birds of prey, rodents, and even ground hogs!

Ordinary Objects From The Past

The items tended to be organized into themes such as:

transportation
farming (ie. tractors, harnesses for cows and donkeys; windmills)
woodworking (ie. all the tools to make furniture or equipment)
taxidermied animals
textiles (ie. carding machines to separate wool; embroidery)
food and agriculture (ie. roasters for chestnuts, bags to collect grain, and scoopers to collect blueberries)
winemaking (ie. wine press from the early 1800s)
hunting and fishing
household items (ie. manual vacuum from 1920; washing tubs)
clothing and shoes (ie. leather and wooden shoes in the workshop)
children’s games

End Of My Visit

Madame Capoulade invited me into her home. a lovely farmhouse which was built in 1760. Her family were the first ones to own the house and in 1880, when Raymond’s parents returned from Paris they bought it from her parent’s relatives, so it has stayed in the family for centuries.

How To Visit Le Grenier de Capou

To book my visit, I called Le Grenier de Capou. Marie-Thérèse answered and in French we arranged a day and time for me to meet. For my visit, Marie-Thérèse only spoke French and I think I understood most of what she said! (She was kind enough to write down words in my journal when I was really stumped!).

Because I was visiting in late October, on a weekday, I had to request a visit. I believe Marie-Therese said that her belle-fille (daughter-in-law) speaks English (but she wasn’t available on the date I visited). My understanding is that the guided “attic” tour is open on weekends all year round and on weekdays it is upon request.

Guided visit prices: 
Adults: 6 €
Children: 3 €
-Free parking
-Picnic area

Do consider visiting Le Grenier de Capou, a truly unique Aveyron museum. While practicing your French, you’ll also get great insight into what life was like in France!

Contact Information
Address: La Crestilie, 12210 Soulages-Bonneval, France
Phone number: +33 5 65 44 31 63

To learn more about the Aveyron department, check out these posts:

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Le Grenier de Capou-An Attic Full Of Rural French History