Musée Cadillac A journey through time in Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave

The Lamothe-Cadillac Museum: The story of a life told in Tarn-et-Garonne

The Lamothe-Cadillac Museum is located in the village of Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, in the family home of the renowned Antoine Laumet. Free and open upon request, it can be explored independently or on a guided tour with Danielle, a passionate guide who recounts the fascinating story of this adventurous figure. Embark on a journey through the Lamothe-Cadillac Museum.

The Lamothe-Cadillac Museum, an atypical life on display in Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave

Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave is a fortified village established in 1135 by the Abbot of Moissac Abbey. The parish register records the baptism of Antoine Laumet on March 10, 1658, five days after the birth of the future Lamothe-Cadillac. Born into a wealthy family, with a grandfather named Péchahut, a rich merchant, and a father who was a judge in the service of the Abbot of Moissac Abbey, he was educated by the monks of Moissac and Montauban. His family's financial difficulties led him to join the army and then to New France in 1683, where he adopted the name Chevalier de Lamothe-Cadillac. In 1701 he founded Fort Pontchartrain in the name of King Louis XIV on a strategic point between Mount Erie and Lake Huron which would become the city of Detroit (Michigan-USA).

The Lamothe-Cadillac Museum, a vibrant place to discover in Tarn-et-Garonne

The story doesn't end there, because in 1901, General Motors decided to name its most prestigious automobile " Cadillac " to coincide with the bicentennial celebrations of Detroit's founding, in honor of its founder. Since the 1990s, the adventures of Antoine Laumet have been recounted in his birthplace, the Lamothe-Cadillac Museum. New this year is an escape game set up right in the heart of the Museum, perfect for fun with family or friends.