National Maritime Museum of Port-Louis Tickets

For enthusiasts of maritime history, securing a ticket to the Maritime Museum of Port-Louis, situated within a stunning citadel in Brittany, is a must.

Maritime Museum of Port-Louis

Constructed in the 17th century on a coastal cliff, the citadel of Port-Louis provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lorient's port and the island of Groix.

This historic site now accommodates the Maritime Museum, showcasing an impressive array of scale models, paintings, navigational equipment, and various artifacts linked to the French Navy.

Your entrance ticket allows you to navigate through the various rooms of the permanent exhibition at your leisure. Noteworthy are sections devoted to maritime rescues and oceanic treasures, where significant marine archaeology finds are displayed.

One of the key highlights in the collection is the cloche du Mauritius, a bronze bell from 1598, rediscovered in 1985. This bell played a crucial role in locating the wreck of the Le Mauritius, a vessel of the Dutch East India Company that sank near Gabon in 1609.

Another significant artifact is the Cadran de Dieppe, an esteemed navigational instrument from the 17th century. Additionally, the bust of Admiral Pâris and the painting Coup de vent en rade d'Alger, a notable piece by Thédore Gudin, a 19th-century French artist renowned for his seascapes, stand out in the collection.

A self-guided exploration of the museum typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, although visitors are welcome to linger longer as they delve into the exhibits.

Visiting Hours

The Maritime Museum of Port-Louis operates during the following hours:

• September: Daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 am to 6 pm
• October to April: Daily (except Tuesdays) from 1:30 pm to 6 pm
• May to June: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
• July to August: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

Audio Tour

For those interested in an audio guide in English, it is available for purchase at the museum on the day of your visit for a fee of 2 EUR.

Admission for Free

Additional Locations of the Maritime Museum

Visitors may also wish to explore other branches of the museum, including:

• National Maritime Museum in Brest
• National Maritime Museum in Paris
• National Maritime Museum in Rochefort
• National Maritime Museum in Toulon