Venue and itinerary
A true reflection of the naval dockyard, the museum traces the way Toulon gradually became the Mediterranean’s largest naval port in the reign of Louis XIV. Monumental models, relief plans, paintings and scientific instruments tell the story of the creation of its dockyard and the military port’s remarkable destiny for over 350 years.
Presentation
The first maritime museum to open its doors on French soil, in 1814 in Toulon’s naval dockyard, it is now one of National Maritime Museum network’s sites, and the only one on the Mediterranean coast. The National Maritime Museum is now located near the defence base’s main gate, in Toulon harbour.
Itinerary and collection
The museum illustrates the exceptional activity of one of France’s largest naval dockyards from the 17th century onwards, as well as the way it developed over the centuries, adapting to new technological constraints and strategic and geopolitical issues to become France’s leading naval port. A combined arms defence base, Toulon is Europe's top naval port in terms of projection and is home to 70% of the French fleet, including the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier and the new nuclear-powered attack submarines (SNAs). Models, relief plans, paintings and scientific instruments tell the dockyard’s human and technical stories and illustrate the port of Toulon’s military history.
Practical information
Find all the practical information here to prepare for your visit.