Espace Alain Gerbault
Small museum in Laval, in the La Perrine garden, devoted to the sailor Alain Gerbault, the first person to sail solo around the world.
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About the museum
The Espace Alain Gerbault opened in Laval in 1993. It honours the Laval-born sailor who, from 1923 to 1929, was the first to sail solo around the world. The museum is in the heart of the La Perrine botanical garden, not far from the sailor’s birthplace.
Beyond the sporting feat, the route presents a figure of many facets: sportsman, adventurer and humanist. Alain Gerbault strongly defended Polynesian culture, which he saw as threatened by Western ways. He died in 1941 and left behind a taste for adventure, for the sea and for those distant islands.
The museum is run by the Laval Patrimoine department of the city. It displays souvenirs of the sailor and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions in memory of maritime heroes and, more broadly, humanist adventurers. Children have a booklet and playful, sensory tools placed along the route.
Highlights
- Souvenirs of the first solo circumnavigation (1923–1929)
- Portrait of Alain Gerbault as sportsman, adventurer and humanist
- Account of his commitment to Polynesian culture
- Setting of the La Perrine botanical garden
- Booklet and playful, sensory tools for children
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours Alain Gerbault – Souvenirs and the life story of the sailor from Laval, the first person to sail solo around the world: sportsman, adventurer and defender of Polynesian culture.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Ville de Laval – Laval Patrimoine
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Self-guided visit; admission is free of charge.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The first floor is accessible to people with reduced mobility; the upper floor, reached by stairs, is not. The reception has an induction loop. The Acceo service provides free real-time transcription, or translation into French Sign Language.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
A booklet for children is available on site, and playful, sensory tools are installed along the route.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Self-guided visit. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. |
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