Musée de la Compagnie des Indes
Bretagne
The Musée de la Compagnie des Indes, located in the citadel of Port-Louis near Lorient, France, is a remarkable institution dedicated to the maritime history of Lorient and the French East India Companies from the 17th and 18th centuries. Established in 1984, it is the only museum in France devoted exclusively to these historic trading companies. The museum's collections originated from a successful 1966 exhibition commemorating Lorient's tricentennial and include artifacts from several national museums such as the Louvre and Musée Guimet. Exhibits trace the origins of European-Asian trade routes, showcasing items like a Chinese Tang dynasty mingqi camel figurine. The museum further explores the foundation of Lorient as a port by the French East India Company in 1666, featuring portraits of notable figures and depictions of the port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can also discover the life aboard the ships through models, navigation tools, surgical instruments, and weapons. A dedicated section highlights the 1746 shipwreck of the Prince de Conty off the coast of Brittany, with artifacts recovered from the wreck. The museum regularly updates its museography to enhance visitor experience and offers educational activities, conferences, and publications to engage diverse audiences.
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Tip: Visit during spring or early autumn to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds. Booking tickets in advance is recommended especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers educational programs suitable for all ages, and visitors may benefit from discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for updated opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses artifacts from multiple renowned French institutions including the Louvre and Musée Guimet.
- •It is the only museum in France dedicated exclusively to the French East India Companies.
- •The museum features a recovered shipwreck exhibit from the Prince de Conty, a ship that sank in 1746 off the coast of Brittany.
- •The collections include a rare Chinese Tang dynasty mingqi camel figurine representing ancient trade routes across Asia.
History
The museum was founded following Lorient's post-war reconstruction and a successful 1966 exhibition celebrating the city's tricentennial.
Initially, the city had an art museum founded in 1879, which was destroyed during World War II.
The Musée de la Compagnie des Indes officially opened in 1984 in the Port-Louis citadel, dedicated to the history of the French East India Companies and Lorient's maritime heritage.
It remains the only museum in France devoted to these companies and has undergone several updates to its exhibitions since its inauguration.
Place Guide
Origins of Maritime Trade Exhibits618-907
This section presents the evolution of trade routes between Europe and Asia, highlighting the Silk Road and the subsequent sea routes to the Indies, illustrated by artifacts such as a Tang dynasty Chinese mingqi camel figurine symbolizing ancient caravan trade.
Foundation of Lorient and the French East India Companies1664-1793
Displays detailing the history of the French East India Companies from 1664 to 1793, including portraits of key figures like Captain de Vire du Liron de Montivers and Jacques Duval d'Eprémesnil, as well as paintings depicting the port of Lorient in the late 17th and 18th centuries.
Life Aboard the Ships
Exhibits showcasing shipbuilding techniques, navigation instruments, surgical tools, weapons, and ship models such as Le Soleil d'Orient. This section also covers the 1746 shipwreck of the Prince de Conty, with recovered artifacts displayed.
Contact
Phone: 02 97 82 19 13
