National Maritime Museum

Getting There

 Where is it? 7th District, 17th Place de Trocadero (Near Eiffel Tower)
 How do I get there? Bus 22, 30, 32, or 63. Or Batobus Eiffel Tower
 When is it open? Wednesday to Monday from 11h00. Closing times vary. Not open on Tuesdays
 What does it cost? Adults €7, Under-18’s free

When You Get There

This niche collection was established in 1748 when Inspector-General of the French Navy, Henri-Duhamel du Monceau presented his private collection of ship models and machinery to King Louis XV. These were initially displayed in the Louvre Palace, where they were used for training students from the Naval Academy.

Today, the second oldest maritime museum in the world is housed in its own building near the Eiffel Tower, and forms the core of a network of other French maritime museums located in the Ports of Brest, Port-Louis, Rochefort, and Toulon. The headquarters in Paris contains a fascinating collection of naval memorabilia spanning several centuries, in addition to being the nation’s research center for underwater archaeology.

There really are some amazing exhibits to be seen here, including a majestic gilded barge made for Emperor Napoleon 1st, a reconstruction of the stern piece of the flagship of King Louis XIV’s navy named the La Réale, intricate models of 18th Century sailing ships and many modern passenger liners, all made to look alive against the backdrop of an extensive collection of contemporary art.

The Insider Edge

 If you hurry, you can still see a special exhibition about the record-breaking French ocean liner France. She was built to represent everything that stood for French ingenuity and style, and held the Blue Ribbon record for the Atlantic crossing for many years. Did you know that the liner France was a work of art from stem to stern, with the skills of no less than 48 craftsmen decorating the deck areas alone? Expect to pay a premium for the privilege of viewing the exhibition.

 If you are travelling in a tour of 15 to 30 people then a discount of €2 per person is available. Tours must be booked in advance and there’s no charge should you choose to bring your own guide. Alternatively, you can spend a fascinating 90 minutes in the company of a professional museum guide – the €169 extra is well worth while when shared by all.

 The Museum is interactive and everything in the library is available for inspection, although access must be arranged in advance and there is a small fee. A photocopier is available – you just need to indicate in advance what you are looking for.

Things You Didn’t Know

 The gilded barge standing in the entrance foyer Le Canot Imperial (canot means boat) was built in just 21 days for Emperor Napoleon 1st of France. He used the 17-meter long craft just once, to inspect the military fortifications of Antwerp. The figurehead is Neptune riding on a dolphin. Some say Neptune looks like a young Napoleon, although this may just be a rumor.

 Ship models were originally used as architectural guides for craftsmen who could not read plans, hence the incredible detail that you see in some Museum exhibits. The larger models of modern ocean liners were used to attract investors. Other early model builders were seafarers whiling away hours on long sailing cruises when not on shift.

 The departments of the Museum are popular venues for film crews shooting movies. Keep your eyes open and who knows which film stars may be within your camera range too.

Can You Afford to Miss It?

This museum is not just for naval buffs and lovers of matters maritime, and children especially find it fascinating. Visit it on a day when the weather outside is less than perfect. Leave with a hundred happy memories.