Telephone: +33 (0)5-56449611
Website: not available
Shop: shop present
Restaurant/refreshments: restaurant
Size of the museum/site: large
Year of visit: 1999
Overall rating:
Description: The Croiseur Colbert, a 180 metre long French cruiser, is well worth a visit. Almost every room in the ship is accessible for visitors, meaning that you can spend literally hours wandering through the narrow corridors and cramped quarters. It's amazing to see all the wires, pipes, wheels and handles covering every inch of wall and ceiling.
The 'floating village' harbours rooms for over 600 people, a bakery, giant sickbay, large kitchen facilities, and several mechanical and armament rooms, amongst other things. Weapons consist of 2 100mm canons, 6 double-barrelled 57mm anti aircraft turrets, 4 Exocet missiles, and 2 ramps for Masurca surface to air missiles.
The ship was built in 1956, started active service in 1959 and was disarmed in 1991. In 1993 the ship was turned into a museum.
Two short yet VERY practical tips when visiting this ship: 1) don't get lost and 2) mind your head!
