European Heritage Days: Cast Off At The National Maritime Museum!
On the third weekend of September, set a course for five exceptional home ports: the National Maritime Museum network welcomes you with open arms for the European Heritage Days, featuring cannons, sculpted bows, and rescue stories... Ready to set sail?
A heritage meeting that breaks records
Every year, over 30 million curious individuals push open the doors of monuments that are normally closed to the public during the European Heritage Days (EHD). Since their inception in 1984 – a French initiative now followed by around fifty countries – the event has continued to grow in popularity: in 2023, there were nearly 17,000 sites open and more than 28,000 events in France alone. It goes without saying that the 2024 theme, "Architectural Heritage", finds an ideal playground at the National Maritime Museum, whose branches are all housed in buildings that are either classified or emblematic of our naval history.
Five stops, one common thread: naval architecture.
From the Castle of Brest to the gate of the Toulon Arsenal, the network of the National Maritime Museum unfolds a journey that tells the story of six centuries of coastal fortifications, prestigious schools, and technical feats. Objective? To show how stone and steel have protected, healed, and transported sailors. Each site has prepared a special menu – free, of course – mixing flash tours, meetings with experts, life-size demonstrations, and temporary exhibitions.
Brest: "Thunder of Brest!" and figureheads
Saturday morning, wake up to the sound of the cannon with the guided tour "Thunder of Brest!" Head to the underground casemates to discover an impressive naval cannon and the (sometimes juicy) anecdotes that accompany it. Throughout the weekend, historical reenactments bring the 16th-century castle back to life: costumes, sword duels, and the smell of gunpowder included! Before you leave, don't miss the exhibition "Figureheads," created in partnership with EESAB. An artistic dive into the sculptures that adorned the bows of sailing ships – perfect for art lovers... and mermaid tales.
Port-Louis: sea rescue and Liberation memory
At the citadel of Port-Louis, volunteers from the SNSM (National Society for Sea Rescue) welcome you on the rampart for impressive demonstrations: deployment of life rafts, fitting of life jackets, review of SOS reflexes... (Would you bet that you didn't know a VHF beacon always floats vertically?) In terms of exhibitions, head to "Germaine Kanova: A Photographer's View of the Liberation." Her rarely shown photographs celebrate the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Lorient pocket. Bonus for 2024: the Companion stonemasons reveal their restoration secrets right at the entrance. Friendly advice: arrive before 3 p.m. if you want to avoid the line.
Rochefort and Science: The Old Naval Medical School
Founded in 1722, the school trained surgeons and pharmacists for the Navy. Its library now houses 25,000 volumes on tropical botany, anatomy, or crew hygiene – a treasure trove for enthusiasts of the history of science. On the agenda: guided tours, free exploration in the Espace-Repères, and audio testimonials from former students (some recounting bloodletting performed at sea with disarming composure...). Finish with the Jardin d'Utopies: a green haven where medicinal plants collected from around the world flourish.
Rochefort from the aristocratic side: The Hotel de Cheusses and Countess d'Amblimont
Still in Rochefort, the Hôtel de Cheusses – the oldest civil building in the city – reveals on Saturday morning the behind-the-scenes of its restoration during a meeting with Olivier Salmon, chief architect of Historical Monuments. In the afternoon, head to the Hôtel de la Comtesse d'Amblimont, usually closed: Louis XV woodwork, pearl gray lounges, and views of the Arsenal. On Sunday, a flash tour "From the castle to the museum" summarizes 400 years of history in just 20 minutes.
Toulon: The Arsenal Tells Its Story
At the Levant port, mediators, volunteers, and tourism students from the Lycée Anne-Sophie Pic take over. Between anecdotes about the Mediterranean fleet, you will discover the old monumental gate of the Arsenal (imposing, even without the cannons aimed). The permanent collections regain their brilliance: models of the King's ships, dioramas of naval battles, impeccably ironed uniforms – perfect for revising your battles from the Revolution to Indochina.
Paris Trocadéro: restoration of models and ocean liner ambiance
Freshly renovated, the Parisian site embraces a convivial atmosphere. Meet the restorers at work: they dust off, repair, and pamper the scale models that have been the museum's pride since the 18th century. The younger visitors can try the "Architect of the Seas" workshop (including paper hull construction and buoyancy testing). Before you leave, stop by for a lounge-style musical performance of the great transatlantic liners - close your eyes, and you can almost hear the lapping against the hull.
A gourmet stop (and shopping) with a view of the Eiffel Tower
After the Paris tour, head to the bookstore-boutique: 300 years of maritime adventures condensed into beautiful books, comics, model kits, and striped sailor shirts. The kids will fall for a mini sextant or a puzzle of the Pourquoi-Pas?. Need a pick-me-up? Go up one deck and settle in at the Café de la Marine. Open from 10 am to 7 pm, it serves savory pies, hot chocolate, and, above all, offers an unbeatable view of the Trocadéro gardens. A photo-op moment is guaranteed.
The membership deal: 50% off "The Taste of the Sea"
Throughout the JEP weekend, the annual museum membership is reduced to €17 instead of €34. Whether you're alone, with a partner, or with family, the card provides unlimited access to the permanent collections, reduced rates for exhibitions, and invitations to openings. Cherry on top: a 10% discount in the gift shop (perfect for funding yet another book on Surcouf...). Offer valid only at the ticket counters from September 19 to 21.
Practical Information Before Boarding
- Dates: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2024.
- Rate: Free for all JEP activities.
- Reservation: Recommended for guided tours (limited quota).
- Access for people with reduced mobility (PRM): Most sites have elevators or ramps, check the official page for details.
- Arriving by train: Brest, Toulon, and Rochefort are directly connected by TGV or Intercités trains. Port-Louis can be reached via Lorient + bus.
Nota Bene: JEP, SNSM... what's that?
• **JEP**: Initially created by Jack Lang, they aimed to open historical monuments to the French public. Today, they also include industrial heritage and craftsmanship.
• **SNSM**: An association under the 1901 law funded 80% by public generosity. Each year, its 9,000 volunteers save an average of 8,000 people at sea and along the coast.
• **Maritime Architectural Heritage**: It encompasses coastal forts, arsenals, lighthouses, dry docks, and even merchant navy buildings. A lesser-known aspect, yet immensely rich, of our heritage.
