International Museum of Shoes, Romans

We rang in the New Year with friends who lived in Romans, not far from Valence, just over an hour from here. Even though we've visited them many times, we've never actually explored the town. This time round, I decided we should go earlier to see what Romans has to offer before heading over to their place.

One of the must see is the International Museum of Shoes. Romans sur Isere or simply called Romans has a tradition of leather making & shoe making thus earning the title of City of Shoes.


The museum is situated in a convent built in the 17th century with a beautiful garden. The visit takes you through the cells which used to house the nuns.

There are apparently more than 15,000 items going back some 4000 years & as their name implied, also covering the evolution of shoes all over the world. They even had a collection of shoes from China for women with bound feet. My favorite were the thigh boots worn by the musketeers.

There were also designers of the 20th & 21st centuries but the focus seem to be more on contemporary design. The Girl was particularly tickled by the pair of zebra shoes (shown below).

Even if you're not a shoe lover (like the Dutchess whom by the way I've dedicated this post to), I would recommend a visit.

International Museum of Shoes
rue Bistour Romans
04 75 05 51 81