MuséoSeine - Museum of the Norman Seine
About MuséoSeine - Museum of the Norman Seine
MuséoSeine is an award-winning museum dedicated to the history of navigation on the Seine River, opened in 2016 and bearing the prestigious Musée de France label. The museum's centerpiece is 'Le Joble', an authentic 1886 gribane (traditional Seine vessel) and the last surviving example of its kind, which visitors can board and explore including its hold. Through interactive exhibits, the museum tells the story of how humans shaped the Seine's riverbanks from antiquity to the present day, covering topics such as the famous mascaret tidal bore, ferry systems, river pilots, bridge construction, and industrial development along the estuary. The building sits directly on the riverbank, offering constant views of the Seine and the impressive Brotonne Bridge. A complete visit takes approximately 2-2.5 hours, with a special guided tour of the gribane's hold available by reservation (not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia). The museum closes during December and January, and opens earlier (10:00) during July-August summer season versus the standard 13:00 opening time.
Interesting Facts
The Seine's mascaret (tidal bore) was once so powerful that it could reach heights of 7 meters and travel upstream at speeds of 25-30 km/h, making it one of Europe's most spectacular natural phenomena. Surfers would actually ride these waves until extensive dredging and dam construction in the 1960s largely eliminated the mascaret, though the museum's exhibits preserve the memory of this remarkable tidal event that shaped local maritime culture for centuries.
The gribane 'Le Joble' on display is not just the museum's centerpiece but a true survivor of history - built in 1886, it worked the Seine for nearly a century transporting goods like grain, wood, and building materials before being rescued from destruction in the 1980s. These flat-bottomed barges were uniquely designed for the Seine's shallow waters and tidal conditions, with crews that often included entire families who lived aboard year-round.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
General Admission
RecommendedGuided Tour
Available for groups of 10 or more people. Reservation required.
Family Pass
Family TicketFor 2 adults and 2 children. Additional children over 6 years: +1€ each.
Location & Practical Info
Address
Avenue Winston Churchill, 76490 Rives-en-Seine
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