Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in France
1Citadelle de Saint-Tropez - Musée d'Histoire Maritime
Saint-TropezThe majestic complex now serves as a museum entirely dedicated to the maritime history of the area. Well worth the climb! 2Bordeaux Submarine Base
BordeauxThe Bordeaux Submarine Base was designed to accommodate up to 30 submarines. It featured dry docks and two basins connected by locks. This impressive infrastructure showcases the strategic importance of the base during the war and provides a unique insight into the naval operations of the time. 3Naval Museum
NantesSince 1988, the Maillé-Brézé has been a museum ship docked at the Fosse quay in the port of Nantes. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1991, making it a significant part of the city's cultural heritage. 4Port Museum
DunkirkThe Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk is a unique blend of maritime and societal history, housed in a building that dates back to 1868. This building, known as the Bourdon store, was once a tobacco warehouse, adding a layer of historical significance to the museum's location. 5Maritime, Fluvial and Harbour Museum of Rouen
RouenThe Maritime, Fluvial and Harbour Museum of Rouen is an associative museum that offers a comprehensive history of the port of Rouen and navigation in general. It provides an in-depth look into the maritime and river navigation, making it an ideal destination for those interested in maritime history and culture. 6Vieux Fort Lighthouse
Vieux-FortThe Vieux-Fort Lighthouse, also known as the Pointe du Vieux-Fort Lighthouse, is a significant landmark located at the southernmost point of Basse-Terre Island, in the territory of the commune of Vieux-Fort in Guadeloupe. This lighthouse is a key navigational aid for sailors, marking the entrance to the Basse-Terre harbor and signaling the passage of the Saintes channel in its northwest limit. 7Maritime Museum of La Rochelle
La RochelleThe Maritime Museum of La Rochelle is a unique floating museum situated in the trawler basin of the Old Port. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore three different ships, each with its own rich history and significance. In addition to the ships, the museum also has two sections on land that host a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions provide further insight into maritime history and culture, making the museum a comprehensive destination for those interested in seafaring. 8Musée d'histoire de Marseille
MarseilleThe Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (Marseille History Museum) is the local historical and archaeological museum of Marseille. The museum holds a collection of archaeological finds discovered when the site it is located on was excavated and other archaeological objects related to the history of Marsei 9Ecomuseum of Saint-Nazaire
Saint-NazaireThe Ecomuseum of Saint-Nazaire is situated on the autonomous port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, facing the Chantiers de l'Atlantique. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the maritime history of the region. The museum's location also allows for easy access for tourists visiting the area. 10Estran Cité de la Mer
DieppeEstran Cité de la Mer is a scientific and technical cultural center that is located in Dieppe. The center is focused on the theme of the Upper Normandy coast. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the scientific and technical aspects of the sea and fishing. 11Lapérouse Museum
AlbiThe Lapérouse Museum is one of the seven museums in the city of Albi. It is conveniently located near the Old Bridge, next to the Tarn. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum is dedicated to the navigator Lapérouse and has been receiving nearly 12,000 visitors annually since 2010. 12Cité des Bateliers
Longueil-AnnelThe Cité des Bateliers is a museum in Longueil-Annel, France, dedicated to the history and culture of boating. It was opened to the public in July 2000 and offers visitors a unique insight into the world of boating. The museum is located in a region known for its rich boating history, making it a significant cultural site for those interested in maritime history. 13Musée National de la Marine - Palais de Chaillot
ParisThe National Marine Museum is the national navy museum in Paris that was founded in 1827. The museum is currently located in the Palais de Chaillot where a collection is exhibited that has the collection of Henri Louis Duhamel du Monceau from 1748 at its core, who was a French physician, naval engin 14Cité des Sciences et de L'Industrie
ParisCité des Sciences et de L'Industrie is Europe's largest science museum, located in Paris. Cité des Sciences tries to promote science and uses interactive ways of spreading knowledge. Here visitors can explore some of the permanent exhibitions such as Light Games or The Great Story of the Universe. P 15Museum Hotel Dubocage Belville
Le HavreThe Dubocage de Bléville Museum is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Le Havre, in the Seine-Maritime region of France. The museum is housed in the former Dubocage de Bléville mansion, a historical building dating back to the 17th century. This provides a unique setting for the museum, adding to the overall experience of visiting. 16Maritime Museum of New Caledonia
NoumeaThe Maritime Museum of New Caledonia is a significant institution that focuses on the history of French colonial exploration in the Pacific. It provides a comprehensive insight into the maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and maritime exploration. 17Museum Of The Sea
SèteThe Museum of the Sea is a prominent feature of the city of Sète, situated in a prime location facing the Mediterranean Sea. It is nestled between two other significant landmarks - the marine cemetery of Sète and the Sea Theater. This strategic location offers visitors not only a rich cultural experience but also stunning views of the surrounding seascape. 18Musée des Docks Romains
MarseilleThe Musée des Docks Romains (The museum of Roman docks) is a museum in Marseille, displays 'in situ' the remains of one of the few known Roman commercial warehouses in the world. The Museum illustrates the port activity of Marseille and features large storage vases or dolia preserved in situ that sh 19Lake Museum
SanguinetThe Lake Museum, also known as the musée du lac, is situated in the charming town of Sanguinet, nestled in the French department of Landes. This museum is a hub of archaeological discoveries made by the volunteer divers of CRESS (Centre de recherches et d'études scientifiques de Sanguinet), who conduct underwater excavations of the submerged villages of the Cazaux and Sanguinet lakes. 20Musée de la Marine et de l’Economie
MarseilleMusée de la Marine et de l’Economie is a small museum in Marseille, housed in the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Marseille. The museum holds a collection of paintings and documents that illustrate the time when Marseille was the main port of France. 21Ephèbe Museum and Underwater Archeology
AgdeThe Ephèbe Museum, situated in Cap d'Agde, Hérault, France, is a unique institution dedicated to the exploration and preservation of underwater archaeology. Established in 1984, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts discovered in the sea, river, or Thau lagoon, reflecting Agde's geographical position at the crossroads of waters. The museum's collections span from the end of the Bronze Age to the first third of the 19th century, offering visitors a comprehensive look at a wide range of historical realities. 22Paul Valéry Museum
SèteThe Paul Valéry Museum is a significant cultural landmark in the city of Sète. It is situated on the slope of Mount Saint-Clair, overlooking the marine cemetery where the renowned poet Paul Valéry is laid to rest. This location not only offers a rich historical context but also provides visitors with a picturesque view of the surrounding area. 23Agathois Jules Baudou Museum
AgdeThe Agathois Jules-Baudou Museum is a municipal museum situated in the heart of Agde, a city in the French department of Hérault, Occitanie region. The museum specializes in arts, popular traditions, and fine arts, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors. 24Musée de la Marine
ÉtaplesThe Musée de la marine d'Étaples is a museum dedicated to the maritime history and culture of Étaples, a town in the Pas-de-Calais department of France. It is part of a network of museums in the Montreuillois region, which includes museums in the towns of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Étaples, Montreuil, and Berck. The museum provides a glimpse into the lives of sailors and their wives, the local maritime habitat, traditional costumes, and various fishing techniques. 25La Maison de la Pêche
La TurballeLa Maison de la Pêche is a museum situated in the picturesque town of La Turballe, nestled in the French department of Loire-Atlantique. This location offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich maritime history of the region while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.