Musée des Deux Marines et du Pont-canal
Private museum in Briare devoted to Loire river navigation, the Briare Canal and the building of the aqueduct bridge, with models, films and an aquarium wall.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum presents the history of navigation on the Loire and on the Briare canals, once a major crossroads for boatmen. The “two marines” are those of the Loire boatmen, with a more traditional culture, and those of the canal, linked to the works of the Industrial Revolution.
It was founded in June 1996, the centenary year of the aqueduct bridge. It is the work of a team of volunteers and the passion of Dr Cyriaque Gavillon. An association founded in 1993 supports the acquisition and preservation of objects related to the Loire's marines and the Briare Canal.
The route covers the history of navigation on the Loire since prehistory, water-related trades, the goods transported, the canals and locks, and the crossing of the Loire by the aqueduct bridge, which is 662.69 m long. A model of this monument, made for its centenary, is on display. A 17-metre aquarium wall presents the fauna of the canals and ponds, and four thematic films complete the visit.
Highlights
- Model of the Briare aqueduct bridge, made for its 1996 centenary
- Water-trades room: shipwrights, fishermen, millers, glassmakers
- 17-metre aquarium wall devoted to the fauna of the Loire and its canals
- Loire quay with a trompe-l’œil mural
- Four thematic films shown on request
Permanent exhibitions
- Salle des métiers – Presentation of water-related trades: shipwrights, pit sawyers, fishermen, millers, coopers and glassmakers.
- Traversée de la Loire – How the crossing of the Loire evolved up to the building of the aqueduct bridge, with a model made for the 1996 centenary.
- Aquarium – 17-metre aquarium wall presenting the fauna of the canals and ponds of the Loire.
- Founded
- 1996
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5From age 7, students |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 6 · Reduced rate from age 7; free for children under 7. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €6 per personAdult groups of 15 or more with a guided commentary; reservation required. |
| School groups and leisure centres with a guided tour, per pupil or child | €4.50 |
| Small group of fewer than 15 people, flat fee for a guided commentary | €90Admission and guiding included; reservation required. |
Free admission for members and children under 7.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
A free activity booklet, taking about 1 hour, is available on request at reception during the short school holidays for children aged 6 to 12 and their families. Visits adapted to leisure centres from age 6.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop and museum shop at the entrance, open during museum hours: books, souvenirs, models, postcards.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 63 guests.
Hire of the 63-seat screening room for businesses and associations: lectures, professional meetings, general meetings. Price on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visit of about 1 hour. Guided tours for groups: 1 hour 30 minutes for the museum, 1 hour for the Briare aqueduct bridge or for the Mantelot site in Châtillon-sur-Loire; reservation required. School visits last 1 hour 15 minutes, from CP (first year of primary school) to Terminale (final year of secondary school). |
