National Maritime Museum of Port-Louis Tickets

For enthusiasts of naval history, visiting the National Maritime Museum located in Port-Louis, set within a stunning Breton citadel, is a must.

National Maritime Museum of Port-Louis

Constructed in the 17th century atop a cliff along Brittany's coast, the citadel of Port-Louis presents breathtaking views over the port of Lorient and the nearby island of Groix.

The citadel now serves as the home of the National Maritime Museum, which boasts an impressive array of scale models, paintings, navigational instruments, and various artifacts pertinent to the French Navy.

Your entry ticket allows you to wander through the various spaces of the permanent exhibition at your leisure. Noteworthy sections include those focusing on maritime rescues and valuable ocean artifacts, showcasing significant pieces of marine archaeology.

A highlight of the collection is the cloche du Mauritius, a bronze bell from 1598, found in 1985, that played a crucial role in locating the wreckage of the Le Mauritius, which sank near Gabon in 1609 while under the Dutch East India Company’s flag.

Also featured prominently is the Cadran de Dieppe, a notable navigational tool from the 17th century. Further, visitors can admire the bust of Admiral Pâris and the painting Coup de vent en rade d'Alger, a signature piece by Thédore Gudin, who was renowned for his seascape paintings in the 19th century.

A typical self-guided tour of the museum lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, though guests are welcome to take as long as they like to enjoy the exhibitions.

Opening Hours

The National Maritime Museum in Port-Louis is accessible during the following hours:

• September: Daily (excluding Tuesdays) from 10 am to 6 pm
• October to April: Daily (excluding 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 Guide

If you prefer to enhance your visit with an audio guide in English, it is available for purchase on the day of your visit for 2EUR.

Free Admission

Young individuals aged 18 to 25 from the European Union, along with visitors under 18 from any nationality, can access the museum free of charge. Tickets should be collected in person at the ticket office.

Other Branches of The National Maritime Museum

Further exploration is possible with visits to additional branches of the museum:

• Entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Brest
• Entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Paris
• Entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Rochefort
• Entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Toulon