Since her sea trials in 2014, the frigate has already completed 4 voyages and covered more than 22,000 miles. 90% of the sailing is done using the ship’s sails alone, whether she’s sailing along the American, French or African coasts. She has stopped over in over 34 ports, welcomed on each occasion very warmly by a huge crowd of people who came to greet this majestic ship, curious to see the boat and find out about the incredible experience of life at sea on a demanding traditional 3-masted sailing ship, devoid of assisted manoeuvring tools, in conditions almost similar to those in the 18th century. On board is an unusual crew composed of professional sailors and young volunteer sailors as well as boatswains, girls and boys from all walks of life who’ve embarked on a one-of-a-kind seafaring adventure with a human angle.
The Hermione, an ambassador ship and an incredible dream machine!
In total, ``L'Hermione`` has travelled through and visited:
French regions : Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Normandy, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur.
French cities and island : Brest, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, St Jean de Luz (Anchorage), Sète, Toulon, Porquerolles, Le Lavandou (Anchorage), Marseille, Port Vendres, Nice, Bastia, Cherbourg, Dieppe, Ouistreham, St Nazaire, Nantes, Rives en Seine, Rouen, Honfleur, Saint Vaast La Hougue (Anchorage), St Pierre et Miquelon (French overseas collectivity).
Countries: United States, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Morocco.
continents : Europe, North America, Africa.
Voyages
Sea trials 2014
In 2014, L’Hermione set sail for the first time!
Both the professional crew and the volunteers took to the frigate and discovered how exceptionally seaworthy she was.
United States 2015
In 2015, the Hermione set sail for her maiden voyage to America following in the wake of La Fayette, a voyage symbolising liberty and emphasising the friendship between France and America, and to recall France’s aid for the American insurgents in the War of Independence.
Brittany 2016
In 2016, the Hermione sailed over the Atlantic to take part in the Brest maritime festivals and pay tribute to maritime heritage;
Mediterranean 2018
Then in 2018, the ship sailed to the Mediterranean based on the theme of living together in harmony, with 34 different nationalities, all young boatswains who had embarked under the banner of the OIF “Libres Ensemble” scheme.
Normandy 2019
In 2019, the ship made a “Normandie Liberté” trip to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings
Explore France
The Hermione La Fayette association and Atout France are joining forces to get ready for a trip in the spring of 2023 to the countries of Northern Europe, under the banner “Explore France”.