Musée Mer Marine
Discover a maritime world with detailed ship models and naval history, from ancient warships to iconic liners. A visual journey on the seas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Musée Mer Marine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a maritime world with detailed ship models and naval history, from ancient warships to iconic liners. A visual journey on the seas.
"A calm museum with many interesting things, especially the ship models and replicas!"
Squat to Read Exhibits
Exhibit text is small & low. Be ready to squat or bring a magnifier! :mag:
French-Only Sections
Some info is only in French. English speakers may miss out. :fr:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Extensive Ship Models
Main Exhibition Halls
Marvel at a vast collection of meticulously crafted ship models, from ancient warships to modern naval vessels.
Naval History Displays
Throughout the Museum
Explore a quick yet engaging overview of naval history with informative displays and artifacts.
Titanic and France Replicas
Specific Display Areas
Admire exceptionally detailed replicas of the iconic Titanic and the grand ocean liner France.
Temporary Exhibitions
Special Exhibition Space
Discover unique temporary exhibits, like the 'Art of the Brick' Lego display, offering diverse experiences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Exhibits
Ticket Purchase Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Squat to Read Exhibits
Exhibit text is small & low. Be ready to squat or bring a magnifier! :mag:
French-Only Sections
Some info is only in French. English speakers may miss out. :fr:
Patience for Tickets
Ticket buying can be slow. Staff may take calls. Allow extra time. :hourglass:
Great for Kids
Children often love the scale model boats and naval history displays. :child:
What are your favourite things to do in Bordeaux that aren’t traditional ‘guidebook’ type things?
Tips
from all over the internet
Squat to Read Exhibits
Exhibit text is small & low. Be ready to squat or bring a magnifier! :mag:
French-Only Sections
Some info is only in French. English speakers may miss out. :fr:
Patience for Tickets
Ticket buying can be slow. Staff may take calls. Allow extra time. :hourglass:
Great for Kids
Children often love the scale model boats and naval history displays. :child:
Combine with La Cite du Vin
It's a short 10-min walk from La Cite du Vin. Perfect pairing! :wine_glass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Musée Mer Marine for its impressive collection of ship models and engaging naval history displays, finding it a calm and interesting experience, especially for children. However, some find the ticket price high for the museum's size, and note issues with small, low-lying exhibit text and French-only information sections.
"Small exhibition with lots of ship models and interesting displays and information
However the problem here is the way they are displayed, the exhibit information cards are printed in a very small font and are low down and I literally had to squat on the floor to read them - okay for one or two but tiring for the whole exhibition
Secondly on level two there is a whole section where the information was only in French and I speak English so I had to bypass All all of the information which would’ve been interesting to me. Yes we are in France but when in Bordeaux which is such an international city, the exhibition should also be in English as well to cater for all of the visitors.
Consider considering the small size of the museum I thought the entrance Price was a little high particularly bearing in mind my comments above
Also buying a ticket was extremely slow, the lady on the desk kept taking phone calls rather than selling tickets to the long line of people that we’re waiting"
David Hadley
"Great experience, huge number of scale model boats and a quick naval history. Kids love it. They also have some temporary expos."
David
"I came to this museum only to see the exhibition "Art of the brick" and I wasn't disappointed. It was a great exhibition - equally fabulous for art fans as well as lego fans."
Helen E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée Mer Marine is conveniently located near La Cite du Vin, about a 10-minute walk away. It's accessible via public transport in Bordeaux, with tram and bus routes serving the area. Check local transit maps for the best route from your accommodation.
While specific parking details can vary, the area around La Cite du Vin often has parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for real-time availability and pricing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance price is considered a little high by some visitors, especially given the museum's size and some display limitations. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good strategy for popular attractions to save time. Check the museum's official website for online booking options.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to consult the official Musée Mer Marine website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times, as well as any seasonal adjustments.
Yes, many visitors find the Musée Mer Marine to be a great experience for kids, particularly due to the large number of ship models and engaging naval history displays. :child:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Be prepared to get close to the displays, as exhibit information cards have very small print and are placed low down. Some visitors found themselves squatting to read them. Bringing a magnifying glass or using your phone's zoom feature can be helpful. :mag:
Unfortunately, some sections of the exhibition, particularly on the second level, have information solely in French. This can be a drawback for English-speaking visitors who wish to fully understand all the displays. :fr:
While some might expect a shorter visit, many visitors spend around 1.5 hours exploring the museum, finding more interesting things than initially anticipated.
Yes, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions. One notable past exhibition was the 'Art of the Brick,' which was well-received by both art and Lego enthusiasts.
The museum boasts a huge number of scale model boats, including old wooden warships, contemporary French navy battle ships, and transatlantics.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information regarding on-site dining facilities at Musée Mer Marine is not extensively detailed in reviews. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for current food and beverage offerings.
Given its proximity to La Cite du Vin and the wider Bordeaux area, there are likely numerous cafes, restaurants, and brasseries nearby. Exploring the surrounding neighborhoods will offer a variety of culinary choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by museum. It's best to look for signage within the museum or check the official Musée Mer Marine website for their specific rules regarding photography, especially concerning flash usage.
The detailed ship models, especially the large replicas of the Titanic and France, offer excellent photographic opportunities. The overall ambiance of the museum, described as 'great' and 'calm,' can also lend itself to atmospheric shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the small print on exhibit cards might be a challenge for little ones (and adults!), the visual appeal of the models often compensates. It's a great opportunity for kids to learn about different types of vessels and naval history in a fun, interactive way. Consider it a solid choice for an educational outing in Bordeaux.
English-Speaking Visitors
To make the most of your visit, consider downloading a translation app or bringing a pocket French phrasebook. Alternatively, focus on the impressive visual aspects of the exhibits and enjoy the general ambiance. The museum's proximity to other attractions also means you can easily combine it with experiences where language might be less of a barrier.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Exhibits
However, a significant point of feedback concerns the presentation of information. Many exhibit cards feature very small print and are positioned low to the ground, requiring visitors to physically squat to read them. Furthermore, a notable portion of the information, particularly on the second level, is exclusively in French, which can limit the experience for English-speaking visitors.
Despite these challenges, the museum provides a 'quick naval history' overview and has hosted engaging temporary exhibitions, such as the 'Art of the Brick' Lego display, demonstrating its capacity for diverse and appealing content.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
Practical aspects, however, have drawn some criticism. The process of buying tickets can be notably slow, with staff sometimes attending to phone calls while a queue forms. Visitors are advised to allow ample time for entry. The museum's size is considered small by some, leading to a perception that the entrance price might be a little high, especially when factoring in the display readability and language barriers.
Despite these points, many visitors find the museum to be more engaging than initially expected, spending longer than anticipated and discovering 'many very interesting things.' Its proximity to La Cite du Vin also makes it an easy addition to a Bordeaux itinerary.
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