Musée de la Marine de Loire
About This Museum
For centuries, the Loire was the lifeblood of central France, a watery highway for the flat-bottomed gabares that carried wine, salt, and stone. This museum, tucked away in Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, tells the story of those boatmen and the vibrant river trade that shaped our region. You can almost hear the creak of ropes and the shouts of the mariniers as you wander through. It’s a deeply personal look into a way of life that has all but vanished.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the full-scale replica of a gabare hold, crammed with barrels and sacks to give you a real sense of the cargo. There's also a beautifully detailed model of the old Châteauneuf port, showing how bustling it once was. My favourite piece is a simple, well-worn wooden tiller—you can see the polish from generations of hands.
Visitor Information
You'll find it right on the main square in Châteauneuf, easy to spot. It's the kind of place where you can spend a quiet hour or two, perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in a handsome 18th-century building that was once the grand home of the local port administrators, with lovely limestone walls and tall windows overlooking the town.
Contact & Location
Address: Château de Chäteauneuf-sur-Loire, 1, Place Aristide Briand, Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, Orléans, Loiret, Centre-Val de Loire, France métropolitaine, 45110, France
Phone: +33 2 38 46 84 46
Website: Visit Website
