Timeline

Origin and history

The Musée des marinaiers de Serrières is housed in the old Chapelle Saint-Sornin, a 12th century religious building located in the commune of Serrières (Ardèche). This site preserves a remarkable chestnut frame, built in the 14th century according to the technique known as "barque ass", as well as partially exposed murals, some of which also date back to the 14th century. These architectural and artistic elements make the chapel itself an object of study and admiration, regardless of the collections it houses.

The museum's collections, exhibited from June to September, are dedicated to the shipwork on the Rhone River. They include iconic objects such as sailor crosses, symbols of their profession and faith, as well as plastrons used in water joutes, a local tradition linked to river life. These artifacts illustrate the daily life of the sailors, their know-how and the cultural practices associated with their trade, while highlighting the historical importance of the Rhône as a transport and trade axis.

The Saint-Sornin chapel, in addition to its current museum role, bears witness to the medieval architectural and artistic evolution in Ardèche. Its "barque ass" frame, a rare and characteristic technique, as well as the rediscovered murals, offer an overview of the craft skills and religious expressions of the period. These recent discoveries enrich the understanding of local heritage and attract the attention of historians and visitors.

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