A Hidden Automotive Treasure in the French Alps

While the official Citroën Conservatoire in Paris remains a prestigious institution, it faces some rather unexpected competition. For four decades, French enthusiast Henri Fradet has meticulously gathered an extraordinary collection of over 120 post-war Citroën models. These automotive gems are currently housed in a dedicated space known as CitroMuseum, situated in the picturesque southern French town of Castellane.

Fradet’s collecting philosophy centers on finding low-mileage, unrestored specimens. His pursuit has taken him across the entirety of France, hunting for the most pristine examples still in existence.


The Three Pillars of the Collection

The museum is organized into three distinct thematic wings, allowing visitors to journey through the brand's evolution:

  • The Pioneers: The first section focuses on the iconic Traction Avant and various iterations of the revolutionary DS/ID models.
  • The 2CV Legacy: The second wing is entirely dedicated to the humble 2CV and its numerous, often quirky, derivatives.
  • The Modern Era: The final and newest section showcases vehicles produced from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Beyond the cars themselves, the collection serves as a historical archive, featuring rare memorabilia such as original research and development documents, vintage dealer signage, and scale models.


Highlights of a Storied Fleet

The collection contains several vehicles of immense historical importance. Among the standout pieces is a 1955 Citroën DS. Bearing chassis number 32, it is believed to be the 14th unit ever sold and the oldest series-produced DS still in existence, as the first thirteen were lost to history.

Another focal point is the 1954 2CV A, a true “time-warp” vehicle. Having covered only 7,300 km over 65 years, it retains its factory-original door panel protection, offering a glimpse into the past that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere.

The museum also preserves technological experiments like the M35, a coupe featuring a Wankel rotary engine and hydropneumatic suspension. Produced in extremely limited numbers to test new engineering concepts, this example remains in running order and highlights the company's bold era of innovation.


Preserving the Rare and the Overlooked

Fradet’s collection does not shy away from the unconventional. From the GS Birotor—a model Citroën famously tried to buy back from customers following the 1973 oil crisis—to the experimental REGAMO prototype, the museum tells the full, often complex, story of the brand. Even modern classics like the AX and Saxo Electrique find a home here, preserved as historical records of a changing automotive landscape.


Visiting the CitroMuseum

The museum is a testament to one man's dedication to preserving a slice of French cultural history. As Fradet notes, these cars were often mass-produced and subsequently mass-destroyed, making his efforts to save them invaluable.

«The museum is open to the public from April through October, located along the scenic Route Napoléon near Castellane,»

For enthusiasts of French engineering and automotive design, the CitroMuseum offers an unparalleled opportunity to see these machines in their most authentic, preserved state.