Sainte-Marine, the sailor’s shelter

To understand fishing industry at the beginning of the 20th century.

Located on the picturesque port of Ste Marine opposite Bénodet, and recognizable by its pale pink colour, this “Abri du Marin” (Sailor’s Shelter) has been a museum since 2008, bearing witness to the harsh life of sailors at the beginning of the last century, but also to the work of its founder Jacques de Thézac, philanthropist and photographer.

Thanks to temporary exhibitions with a maritime theme as well as a permanent collection dedicated to the usefulness of the Shelters, you can learn and understand the life of our sailors in the past.

During the last century, Jacques de Thézac, anxious to help fishermen and to fight against alcoholism, created the Oeuvre des Abris du marin. The aim was to offer crews on port of call an alternative to the endless pubs, which flourished all along the coast. De Thézac made sure that these “shelters”, in the style of the Sailors Home across the Channel, became essential places for fishermen. Thus, they were used as refuges, conference rooms, classrooms and training rooms, games and gymnastics rooms, dispensaries, libraries, repair and maintenance workshops. Alcohol was never allowed inside these shelters.

VISITORS’ OPINION :

“Wonderful morning visit… Whether it is in the reception or in the visit of this small museum which does not pay a mine but where one spends a formidable moment…. Either in the represented rooms or in the very rich library for all the lovers of the sea…”

“The pink house is a very nice museum, the windows give a fantastic light in the rooms and offer a very original point of view on the port of Sainte Marine. The first floor – which is also the library – breathes serenity, one feels like writing an adventure novel in such a place. Not to be missed, a small canvas painted by the great Lucien Simon: “Une noce bigoudène”, a painting which evokes to the visitor several short stories by Guy de Maupassant. This abri-du-marin is an unpretentious place, but it leaves a powerful memory.”

“Very beautiful place, very interesting to enter into the daily life of sailors. Pictures, explanations, exhibitions… there’s no need to get bored and the setting is full of history(ies)! ”

Open: February 1 to December 31

From 15/06 to 15/09: every day from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 7pm, except Monday and Tuesday morning. During French school holidays: from Wednesday to Sunday 2pm-6pm. Outside school holidays: from Thursday to Sunday 2pm-6pm.