Le Redoutable Submarine Museum
About Le Redoutable Submarine Museum
Le Redoutable is France's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, launched in 1967 by Charles de Gaulle and now the world's only former SLBM-carrying nuclear submarine open to public tours. The 128-meter vessel served 20 years of active duty, completing 51 patrols and covering 1.27 million kilometers. Visitors explore the submarine through a 35-minute audio-guided tour, walking through the command center, torpedo room, engine compartment, crew quarters, and onboard hospital. The confined spaces reveal how 135 submariners lived underwater for 70-day patrols. Two audio guide versions are available: a technical narration by the Captain for adults, and a family-friendly story told by a retired submariner and his grandson. The submarine is part of La Cité de la Mer complex in Cherbourg's historic transatlantic terminal. Note that children under 5 cannot visit the submarine for safety reasons, and the vessel is not wheelchair accessible.
Interesting Facts
Le Redoutable was the first French submarine where every crew member had their own individual sleeping berth. Before this, submariners had to share bunks in shifts - a system called 'hot bunking' where one sailor would sleep while another worked.
During World War II, French submarines were painted with camouflage patterns. When Le Redoutable was being prepared for museum display in the 1990s, workers discovered traces of similar paint schemes that had been applied and later removed during the Cold War era.
The submarine's first commander, Captain Louzeau, banned smoking on board during the maiden patrol in 1971 - despite the vessel being designed with smoke extraction systems for smokers. This no-smoking tradition continues on all French submarines to this day.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Standard Entry
RecommendedLocation & Practical Info
Address
Allée du Président Menut, Gare Maritime, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France
Website
https://www.citedelamer.com/Day Routes
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