Rochefort, home port of the frigate Hermione
The construction of a replica of the frigate Hermione was first and foremost an exceptional challenge that lasted 20 years. The reconstruction of this 18th century Royal frigate has captivated a loyal public that has followed its adventures throughout the years.
Now fully completed, you can visit this incredible frigate at the Arsenal des Mers, in Rochefort, cradle and home port of the frigate Hermione.
In 2015, young novice sailors braved the second challenge, under the command of Yann Cariou : to navigate accross the ocean this puzzle of 400 000 pieces of wood, carried by 2 200m2 of sails ! These 21st century sailors (gabiers in french), tell with passion and emotion their Transatlantic journey in the footsteps of La Fayette and the moving encounters of the stopovers on the American east coast.
In 2018, the frigate Hermione once again sailed away from Rochefort, for another expedition. This time, the frigate was sailing forwards the Mediterranean Sea. 120 days, 350 seamen ready to take the sea... 100 of them were even trained to sail in Rochefort with the partnermanship of the International Organisation of Francophonie.
In 2019, the frigate sailed along the coasts of Brittany and Normandy and participated in the Armada of Rouen. While waiting for a next trip, the Hermione has returned to Rochefort, its home port, on July 5, 2019.
2020 and 1st half of 2021: the frigate Hermione remains all year round in its home port, Rochefort, and offers adapted tours while controlling the number of visitors on site.
The Hermione exhibition
In order to pay tribute to this frigate despite its absence, part of the tour of the Fabrique de l'Arsenal is dedicated to the history of the Hermione, and to the trades involved from her construction to the present day. During your visit, you'll be able to consult a wide range of explanations about the ship, and watch the videos that form part of her story. As you make your way through the exhibition, you'll even be able to smell the powerful aroma of the ropes, one of l'Hermione's key features!
Continue your visit by discovering the other Arsenal des Mers sites: the Corderie Royale, the Musée National de la Marine, Océana Lumina and the Accro-Mâts!
