L'Arsenal des Mers, Maritime heritage complex in Rochefort, France.
Description
L'Arsenal des Mers is a maritime heritage complex comprising four main locations: a historic rope factory, a naval museum, the Hermione ship, and a climbing facility. The sites spread along the Charente River and together tell the story of shipbuilding in this location.
History
The complex was founded in 1666 under King Louis XIV and became the center of French shipbuilding for centuries. After more than 250 years of continuous production, operations ended in the 1920s, marking the conclusion of a major craft tradition.
Culture
The museum spaces showcase the daily work of craftspeople who built ships here, displaying tools and objects that reveal how maritime trades shaped the community. Walking through, you sense how central this industry was to life in the town.
Practical
The four sites are within walking distance and can be explored in a single day, allowing time to see each one properly. Wearing comfortable shoes helps when navigating cobblestones and uneven ground, especially around the rope factory and ships.
Did you know?
The rope factory spans over 370 meters in length and stands as one of the longest surviving 17th-century industrial buildings in Europe. Its distinctive design with tall walls and large windows was specifically engineered to allow craftspeople to produce long rope under stable conditions.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Rochefort).
Corderie Royale
404 m
House of Pierre Loti
440 m
Hôpital de la marine
992 m
Musée National de la Marine de Rochefort
100 m
Arsenal de Rochefort
70 m
St. Louis Church, Rochefort
459 m
Musée Hèbre de Saint-Clément
420 m
Hôtel de Cheusses
101 m
Former School for naval medecine
917 m
Château de Rochefort-sur-Charente
178 m
Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or
379 m
Musée des Commerces d'autrefois
252 m
Fountain of the place Colbert
334 m
Magasin aux vivres de Rochefort
780 m
Musée de la Vieille Paroisse
420 m
Hôtel d'Amblimont
426 m
Caserne Latouche-Tréville
598 m
Cerbaillance
415 m
Lingot d'art 1876 – Piano-bar / Musée de la Chouette d’Or
795 m
Mairie de Rochefort
450 m
Forme double, dite forme de radoub Louis XV
59 m
Ancienne église Notre-Dame de Rochefort
773 m
Arsenal de Rochefort et fortifications de l'estuaire de la Charente
149 m
Formes de radoub de l'arsenal de Rochefort
33 m
"Vieille forme" dry dock
1 km
Forme de radoub Napoléon III
48 m
Temple protestant
363 m
Médiathèque de Rochefort
500 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes