Step inside the historic arsenal of Toulon, home of the French Navy since the reign of Louis XIV. This summer, the Musée national de la Marine in Toulon invites English-speaking visitors to discover three centuries of naval history on a guided tour, from the great sailing fleets of the 17th century to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
A museum built on the memory of the arsenal
The first maritime museum to open in France, the Musée national de la Marine has stood within the Toulon arsenal since 1814. Today it is part of a national network of museums and remains the only one located on the Mediterranean coast. The museum sits close to the main gate of the Defence Base, right at the heart of the harbour of Toulon.
Through scale models, relief plans, paintings and scientific instruments, the museum tells the human and technical story of one of France's largest arsenals. It traces how Toulon grew, over more than 350 years, into the leading war port of Europe by projection capacity, today home to 70% of the French fleet, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the new generation of Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarines.
- Suitable for: all audiences
- Duration: 1 hour
- Meeting time: 11am
- Dates: July 6 & 20, August 3, 14 & 24
Practical information
July 6 & 20, August 3, 14 & 24
11am
Musée national de la Marine – Place Monsenergue,
Quai de Norfolk,
83000 Toulon
Pricing:
Full rate: 15€
Reduced rate: 13€
Child rate: 6€
