Former naval medicine school
COMING SOON TO YOUR PASS Founded in 1722, the École de médecine naval de Rochefort is the first in the world. It trains surgeons on board ships who participate in exploration trips. Today, this site opens the doors to its teaching rooms, its 25 000-volume scientific library and its museum of anatomical, zoological and botanical collections.
25 rue amiral Meyer
17300
Rochefort
Guided tour - Former naval medicine school
Enter with your guide a unique place in the world: the Former School of Naval Medicine in Rochefort. Your pass allows you to access the 45 min guided tour. Discover the fascinating universe of embedded surgeons and the origins of modern medicine through an immersive journey.
Upon reservation highly recommended.
Push the doors of the Former Naval Medicine School, located in the heart of the Navy Hospital, and dive into a unique place in the world dedicated to science and exploration. Founded in 1722, this pioneer school trained surgeons on board King's ships for more than two centuries.
During your guided tour, discover remarkably preserved teaching rooms, witnesses to an innovative pedagogy combining observation, practice and scientific knowledge. You will also explore an impressive library of thousands of books, as well as amazing collections of anatomy, botany and zoology, used to train marine doctors.
Between science, travel and discovery, the journey invites you to better understand the essential role of these doctors in the major maritime expeditions and in the evolution of medical knowledge.
Motor disability
The museum is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. The tour takes place on two floors without elevator. There are also a few steps to the site itself.
Opening hours
OPENING 2026:
45 minute guided tour offered every day according to opening hours:2pm (except Saturdays)
From February 14 to March 31 : every day (except Tuesday) 1:30 - 18:00
From April 1 to July 3 : every day (except Tuesday) 10h-12h30 / 13h30-18h
From July 4 to August 31 : every day 10h-12h30 / 13h30-18h
From September 1 to January 4 : every day (except Tuesday) 10am-12h30 / 13h30-18h
Exceptional closure: January 5 to February 13, 2026. 1 January, 1 May, 25 December
Access by car
Nearest car park: Arsenal car park: chargeable.
BENEFITS INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass (adult rate only): get a 10€ discount on renting a Yelomobile car.
Details of rates and conditions of access to the service Yelomobile.
Access by train
The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 25 minutes to Rochefort. SNCF Train Station is a 10-minute walk from Ancienne École de Médecine Navale.
BENEFITS INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: enjoy unlimited access to TER NOUVEAU AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Rochefort.
In the app, press the "Transport train TER" button and then the button of your destination: La Rochelle < > Rochefort. Generate your ticket by pressing the button "Press here to validate your TER train ticket on board". Your e-ticket appears: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return, generate a new ticket by renewing the previous operation.
Easily find the TER New Aquitaine train schedules.
Access by bus
Car access Nouvelle-Aquitaine region from La Rochelle :
Stop SNCF Station - Lines 153 and 155* (*April to end September), then 10 minutes walk.
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: enjoy unlimited access to 10 bus lines NEW AQUITAINE.
In the application, press the "Transport Cars Regional" button and then the button on the chosen line is 153 or 155. Generate your ticket by pressing the button "Press here to validate your ticket on board". Your e-ticket appears: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return, generate a new ticket by renewing the previous operation.
Lines, schedules and traffic changes Cars New Aquitaine region
Access by bike
The town of Rochefort is located on the cycle routes of Vélodyssée. The Ancienne École de Médecine Navale is labélisé Accueil vélo.
BENEFITS INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: get 30% discount on renting a bike.
Present your pass to our partner Cycling Tour in La Rochelleand benefit from your discount (your pass must be enabled and valid).
Reservation
Reservation highly recommended by telephone at the Ancienne école de médecine naval : 05 46 99 59 57 and with your pass number. Subject to availability.
Public price
Adult : €14.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : €6.00
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €6.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : €6.00
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €6.00