Naval Medical School

Unique in France, the Rochefort Naval Medical School was founded in 1722. It was the first in the world. For more than 240 years, it trained surgeons on board warships. Come and discover it on one of our guided tours! Founded in 1722, the Rochefort School of Naval Medicine was the first of its kind in the world. For more than 240 years, it trained surgeons on board ships. In the 19th century, the medical officers who studied there took an active part in voyages of exploration, prepared by their scientific training and motivated by their desire to understand the world in all its diversity. Now open to the public, this site of the Musée National de la Marine opens the doors of its teaching rooms, its 25,000-volume scientific library and its museum. The anatomical, zoological and botanical collections and exceptional works will take you into the history of naval medicine and the scientific world of the 18th and 19th centuries. It's a visit you won't want to miss, providing you with the keys to understanding this unusual place and offering you a unique, sensitive experience. Guided tours of the Naval Medical School are available by prior arrangement. During the site's opening hours, you can visit the Espace-repères on the ground floor and the Jardin d'Utopies outside free of charge. - An illustrated timeline, the Espace-repères puts the founding and development of the Naval Medical School into perspective with the major dates in history. - The Garden of Utopias presents a multitude of medicinal, aromatic and dye plants, echoing the voyages of exploration that brought some of them back to Rochefort. It's also a haven of peace and tranquillity. Continue your discovery of Rochefort's maritime history with a visit to our second museum, the Hôtel de Cheusses/Arsenal!