Corderie Royale - Centre International de la Mer Museums in Rochefort

The Corderie Royale - International Centre of the Sea in Rochefort is an exceptional heritage site, an emblematic place of French maritime history and a dynamic cultural center dedicated to the sea.

A History Written in the Royal Navy

The Corderie Royale is at the heart of the former Colbert naval arsenal, founded by Louis XIV in Rochefort. This monumental 374-meter- long building was built from 1666 with a crucial mission: to supply the Ponant war fleet with ropes. For nearly two centuries, this factory was essential to the Royal Navy, producing the thousands of meters of rope needed by the tall ships. It is a rare and remarkable example of pre-industrial architecture. However, with the evolution of naval techniques, its activity ceased under the Second Empire. Tragically, it burned down completely in August 1944.

From Ruin to Renaissance: Reconstruction and the International Centre for the Sea

After being bought by the town of Rochefort, the Corderie Royale underwent a spectacular renaissance thanks to a vast reconstruction project between 1976 and 1988, as part of a "medium-sized town contract". Since 1985, it has housed the International Centre of the Sea (CIM), which is also a Cultural Meeting Centre (ACCR).

The CIM's mission is to highlight the monument's prestigious past while promoting contemporary maritime culture. It focuses on human adventures at sea, positioning itself at the interface of social sciences, art and science, and supporting current forms of creation linked to river-maritime life.

An Exhibition and Immersive Experience Space

Today, the Corderie Royale offers a permanent exhibition that immerses visitors in the history of ropemaking and the work of rope workers of yesteryear. Through tactile manipulations, image projections, educational terminals, interactive games and an optical theatre, visitors can understand the process of transforming hemp into rope. The entrance ticket also gives access to a temporary exhibition always linked to the world of the sea.

In addition to the exhibitions, the site houses:

• A bookstore specializing in the maritime field, offering a wide range of works.
• The Les Longitudes restaurant, for a gourmet break.
• The city's library-media library.
• Workshops (such as seamanship) and events throughout the year.

The Corderie Royale is a must-see heritage site in Charente-Maritime. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1967.

The Charente-Maritime Guide has discovered the Corderie Royale for you!