In 1780, La Fayette boarded the Hermione, a frigate built a few months earlier in the Arsenal of Rochefort. He set out to help the young American nation fight for its independence.

1997: a new project was launched in Rochefort – to rebuild the Hermione in the middle of the former maritime arsenal. The shipyard allowed the public to discover the work of carpenters, joiners, cabinet makers and blacksmiths…

On the initiative of the town of Rochefort and the Centre International de la Mer (International Sea Centre), a maritime cultural centre in the Corderie Royale (Royal Rope Makers), was created at the end of 1992. The Association Hermione-La Fayette was put in charge of piloting the project.

Currently, about forty people contribute to the realisation of this human and technological adventure in different occupations and building trades: carpenters and blacksmiths, guides and receptionists, engineers and administrative staff.

As in the 18th century, the hull of the ship is made entirely of oak, mainly from the west of France. The curved pieces are mostly cut directly from the solid wood; only certain, less thick pieces are steamed and then bent. The pieces are finished with bronze dowels and nails.