Musée des 2 Marines et du Pont-Canal
About This Museum
It's a rare thing to find a museum that celebrates not one, but two distinct naval histories. Tucked away in Briare, this gem occupies the former maintenance hall for the incredible Briare Canal Bridge. Inside, you'll discover a surprisingly intimate space where the stories of inland river navigation and vast ocean voyages collide. The curation feels personal, guiding you from the humble Loire river barges to the grandeur of transatlantic liners with a tangible sense of passion.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the collection beats with intricate scale models of everything from flat-bottomed 'sapines' to the mighty SS Normandie. Don't miss the beautifully preserved engines and the array of navigational instruments that feel as if they were just set down by a sailor. It all culminates with a perspective that leads your eye directly out to the star attraction: the Pont-Canal itself.
Visitor Information
You'll find it right on Boulevard Buyser, making it an effortless stop before or after you stroll across the famous bridge itself. Check their seasonal hours online, as they can vary.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is an unpretentious, sturdy brick structure from the industrial era, originally built to service the canal bridge. Its no-frills design honestly reflects its working-class origins, letting the engineering marvel outside remain the architectural headliner.
Contact & Location
Address: 58, Boulevard Buyser, La Ville, Briare, Montargis, Loiret, Centre-Val de Loire, France métropolitaine, 45250, France
Phone: +33 2 38 31 28 27
Website: Visit Website
