These five “cathedrals of the sea” you absolutely must explore

The Chatou monotype, in Les Mureaux

Launched in the 19th century^e century, the Yacht Club d’Île-de-France association (150 members) has never ceased to defend an art of living around beautiful pleasure boating. « Sailing is more complicated than turning a key in an engineadmits Amélie Crucifix, its vice-president, but it allows for a more peaceful pleasure. During these European Heritage Days, the association will bring out some of its gems kept in its large hangar, including the Chatou monotype. Dating from 1909, this ancestor of flat-bottomed dinghies has been patiently restored, thanks to money from members’ contributions. It will unfurl its square sails and allow the club, which organizes festivals and regattas throughout the year, to “to demonstrate the sporting spirit and conviviality” who reigns on board.

Yacht Club of Île-de-France, in Mureaux (78).

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The submarine “L’Argonaute” in Paris

The Amerami association, created in 1975 and spread across the French maritime region, has set itself the goal of restoring boats and submarines. It now owns 90 of them, including L’Argonautea 1950s submarine on display in the Parc de la Villette, north of Paris. “Those who gave them to us did not want to see them disappear. They know that boats are elements of heritage, just like castles and cathedrals.”judges Olivier Charmet, secretary of the Amerami association.

Just like buildings, boats require constant maintenance, and therefore a constant search for funds to meet this need. At the moment, the association is restoring a fishing boat in Douarnenez for a budget of 300,000 euros. “We are all volunteers and we try not to run too fast or too far, or to see too big.”explains the manager. A satisfaction, the public’s interest does not wane for these construction sites which, like the sea, make people dream.

Free visit of the submarine, Saturday and Sunday, La Villette (Paris 19^e).

The “Alfred Merlin” in Toulon

This 46-metre scientific vessel assigned to the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (Drassm), owned by the State, is dedicated to underwater archaeological research and bears the name of the pioneer of this discipline. For the European Heritage Days, this boat, which was launched on 27 January 2021, will welcome the public with diving archaeologists and the crew on board. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it is dedicated to exploring wrecks accessible to divers or those at great depths. Thanks to virtual reality headsets, visitors will be able to experience the sensations of a dive of this type.

On the Cronstadt quay, in Toulon (83), in groups of 10 people.

The “Belem” in Saint-Malo

On May 8, we saw this boat, classified as a historic monument, arrive at the port of Marseille with the Olympic flame on board. Whiteone of the oldest boats still sailing, is constantly undergoing restoration. “Apart from the basic maintenance carried out by the crew and its upgrading, it is in dry dock for five months in the winter”recalls Christelle Hug de Larauze, general delegate of the Belem Caisse d’épargne Foundation.

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The ship welcomes 2,000 people on board per year, and can be visited when it is at the dock – its rental as well as visitors paying for its maintenance. “Apart from the beauty of the boat, people like the fact that it is authentic and has original rigging. On board, you sail as if you were in 1887.”adds the general delegate. With the Whiteit is the entire transmission of the tradition of the great French Navy that is ensured. During the European Heritage Days, the lantern that allowed the transport of the Olympic flame will be exhibited on board.

Free visit to Saint-Malo (35), on the Saint-Louis quay.

“The Hermione” in Anglet

For two days, the major overhaul of L’Hermione will be open to the public for a free visit. The replica of the famous 18th century frigate^e century is currently being restored, with fungus having been detected in the wood of the hull. “A technical heritage project has been underway for three years, which aims to replace all the affected wooden parts,” explains the association L’Hermione-La Fayette, which hopes to get the ship back afloat quickly. If the primary vocation of L’Hermione is to act as a link between the United States and France, it has become a place of training, welcoming schoolchildren, training topmen and having young people from the universal national service sail. To complete the project, 4.5 million euros still need to be raised, out of the initial 10 million. Local authorities are taking their share, but donations are more than welcome.

On the port of Anglet (64).