While the official Citroën Conservatoire in Paris holds a prestigious status, it now faces unique competition from a private endeavor in the southern French town of Castellane. For four decades, enthusiast Henri Fradet has dedicated himself to building a remarkable collection of more than 120 postwar Citroën vehicles, now housed in the CitroMuseum.


Fradet specializes in acquiring unrestored examples with low mileage, often traversing the French countryside to secure the finest specimens available. His museum is organized into three distinct wings, showcasing everything from early icons to more recent vehicles from the 1990s, all complemented by a wealth of archival documents and vintage memorabilia.


Defining Eras: From Traction to 2CV


The collection spans the evolution of the brand. Highlights include:

  • Traction 15/6 (1952): A post-war survivor featuring a 2.9-liter straight-six engine with only 40,000 km on the odometer.
  • DS (1955): The crown jewel of the collection, chassis number 32, is recognized as the oldest series-produced DS in existence.
  • The 2CV Legacy: Once considered an undesirable "ugly duckling," the 2CV is now a star of the museum. The collection includes a 1954 2CV A in "time-warp" condition with just 7,300 km, still retaining its factory-applied protective brown paper on the door panels.

Engineering and Innovation


Fradet’s collection also highlights Citroën's experimental spirit. One of the most intriguing pieces is the M35 prototype. Designed as a rolling testbed for a Wankel engine, only 267 were ever produced. The museum also houses a GS Birotor, a model that became a cautionary tale of the 1970s oil crisis, leading Citroën to attempt to buy back the entire production run.


«The museum offers a rare glimpse into automotive history, preserving models that were mass-produced and subsequently lost to time,» notes the collection's narrative.

Modern Classics and Future Outlook


The most recent wing of the museum focuses on later models, such as the GS, CX, and early electric efforts like the Saxo Electrique. While some newer models like the AX and Xantia are represented, Fradet is selective, focusing on finding "like-new" examples that are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the open market.


The collection stands as a testament to one man’s persistence in preserving the heritage of a brand known for its unconventional engineering and distinctive design. The CitroMuseum is situated along the historic Route Napoléon and welcomes visitors from April through October.