ESTRAN Cité de la Mer

About the museum

ESTRAN Cité de la Mer grew out of an association founded on May 20, 1987, with the aim of creating a centre for scientific, technical and industrial culture dedicated to the Normandy coast. The name takes up the acronym of Espace Scientifique et Technique des Ressources Aquatiques et de la Navigation, and also refers to the strip of shore covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. After five years of volunteer work, the museum opened on May 28, 1993, with Anita Conti, the first woman oceanographer, as its patron.

The permanent exhibitions are organised around several themes: the story of Anita Conti, shipbuilding from the construction of a Viking longship to the making of a trawler, the fishing industry and the hottage of herring, renewable marine energy, the formation of the chalk cliffs and pebbles of the Alabaster Coast, and an exhibition on climate and the ocean. The former aquarium rooms have been replaced by exhibitions on biodiversity.

The association employs about forty staff, spread across the museum, an environment unit responsible for maintaining the beaches and the port of Dieppe, and a social unit with job-integration projects. The museum also offers events, themed visits on the coast and activities during school holidays.

Highlights

• Exhibition on Anita Conti, the first woman oceanographer
• Shipbuilding: models, engines and a bridge with navigation instruments
• Fishing industry and the history of herring
• Chalk cliffs and pebbles of the Alabaster Coast
• Activities for children, including the Jardin des Mers in summer

Permanent exhibitions

• Anita Conti – Space devoted to the first woman oceanographer, with photographs of her voyages and a video report.
• La construction navale – The evolution of techniques, materials and onboard technology, through models, engines and a bridge with its instruments.
• Falaises et galets – Formation of the chalk cliffs and pebbles of the Alabaster Coast, erosion and coastal pollution.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Association E.S.T.R.A.N.

Admission & discounts

Gift vouchers are valid for one year, at the same price as the equivalent admission. Free activities: “Petits RDV de 15 h” and a visit on renewable marine energy (funded by the company EMDT, without museum admission, by reservation). The craft activities of the Petits RDV at 15:30 are paid and by reservation. Payment accepted in cash, by bank card, by cheque and with holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has held the Tourisme et Handicap label for all four types of disability since 2019. Doorbell at the entrance to call a staff member, lowered reception counter, lift between levels, wheelchair lent on request, seats along the route, induction loop at the reception desk, magnifying glass, visit guides in large print or Braille, models and objects available for touch. An easy-read document is in preparation. One free reserved parking space in front of the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family rate, free “Petits RDV de 15 h”, craft activities, birthday parties and, in summer, the Jardin des Mers (marine discovery activities for 4- to 10-year-olds, Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30, reservation required; boots for beach outings).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop and gift ideas on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit