Musée national de la Marine de Port-Louis

About the museum

The citadel of Port-Louis, built from 1616 to 1621 by Jacques Corbineau on a former Spanish fort, overlooks the entrance to the Lorient roadstead. It housed garrisons for four centuries, was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War, and was used by the French Navy until 2007. Today it is listed as a historic monument and belongs to the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

A first museum opened in the keep (donjon) in 1962. From the 1980s, after a plan for a maritime museum was abandoned, the Musée national de la Marine occupied part of the citadel's buildings. The exhibition Trésors d'océans opened in 2002, and the presentation on sea rescue was inaugurated in 2005.

The route runs through a wing of the Lourmel barracks, around the place d'armes. It tells the daily life of sea rescuers with ship models, votive offerings and a 19th-century boat, then the sea routes to the Far East, underwater archaeology and a collection of porcelain from shipwrecks.

Highlights

• Sea rescue: Kerhallet boat, ship models and votive offerings
• Trésors d'océans: underwater archaeology and porcelain from shipwrecks
• Bell and cannon of the Mauritius
• Tactile models of the citadel and of a 74-gun ship
• 17th-century citadel with a view of the Lorient roadstead

Permanent exhibitions

• Sauvetage en mer – The daily life of sea rescuers told through ship models, votive offerings, testimonies and the boat of Commander Philippe de Kerhallet.
• Trésors d'océans – Far Eastern sea routes, underwater archaeology and porcelain from shipwrecks, including that of the Mauritius.

Operated by

Musée national de la Marine

Visitors per year

approx. 75,196

Admission & discounts

The ticket gives access to the outdoor areas of the citadel, the Musée national de la Marine and the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes. Free admission is also granted to holders of the Pass Éducation, active staff of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, recipients of social minimum benefits and job seekers, with proof. The museum is not free on the first Sunday of the month. The Pass Patrimoine is accepted. Annual membership from €34 gives unlimited access to all of the museum's sites. Payment by cash, credit card, bank check, Chèque Vacances or Chèque Culture.

Accessibility

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

Accessibility is limited in this citadel, which is listed as a historic monument: the interior spaces suit visitors with motor or hearing disabilities, but the outdoor areas (slopes, paving, gravel, grass, steps) are difficult to access, and having a companion is strongly recommended. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, including two all-terrain chairs, as well as a stroller cane, baby carriers and folding seats. Induction loops are available at the reception desks and on request for the audio guide. The Trésors d'océans route has two tactile models, and there is also a tactile model of the citadel and one of a 74-gun ship. Easy-read booklets are available. Accessibility contact: accessibilite@musee-marine.fr.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The free activity booklet “Mon carnet de bord” is available on site or to download. Visits and workshops for families, for example for children from age 2, as well as birthday parties. Changing table in the restrooms; free loan of strollers and baby carriers.

Getting there & parking

By car: RN 165 (Vannes–Quimper expressway), exit Port-Louis / Hennebont, then follow the signs to the citadel.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop with books, toys and merchandise, open during museum hours. Rest area with drink vending machines and picnic tables in the citadel, near the cannonball park (parc à boulets).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit