The Duchesse Anne

The Duchesse Anne, the great training sailing ship of Dunkirk

A true emblem of Dunkirk, the Duchesse Anne is an impressive sailing ship, presented as the largest sailing ship open to the public in France. Moored near the Maritime and Port Museum, it invites you to a real leap back in time. The Dunkirk audio-guided tour stops here to discover life aboard a great training sailing ship.

A training sailing ship built around 1901

Built at the turn of the twentieth century, around 1901, the Duchesse Anne is a great training sailing ship that has crossed a whole century of history, notably under German flag before joining France. After a major restoration campaign carried out with respect for traditions, it has regained its splendour. It is now part of the Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk.

What to see

Aboard, you discover the decks, the masts and the living spaces of a great training sailing ship, to understand the daily life of the sailors of the past. The ship, carefully restored, is one of the jewels of the maritime heritage of Dunkirk. It can be visited in connection with the Maritime and Port Museum, which retraces the history of the city and its port.

Practical information

The Duchesse Anne is moored near the Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk, reachable on foot. The visit of the sailing ship is according to the museum's hours and conditions, which vary with the season, and may be subject to an admission fee. It is best to check them before coming; access aboard involves narrow passages and ladders, to be taken into account.

What is the Duchesse Anne?

It is a great training sailing ship built around 1901, presented as the largest sailing ship open to the public in France, moored near the Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk.

Can you visit the Duchesse Anne?

Yes, the sailing ship can be visited in connection with the Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk; hours, conditions and admission fee vary with the season, to be checked before coming.