La Corderie is a building located in the former arsenal of Toulon, in the Var.
It was built from 1686 according to plans signed by Vauban. Composed of a central wing flanked by two Mansart-style pavilions, the site extends up to 400 m in length.
Operational since 1691, the Corderie had, as its name suggests, a manufacturing function of ropes intended for the navy, and its activity was carried out on two levels.
During the 19th century, iron cabling began to be used and replaced hemp ropes. Spaces were thus freed up which accommodated a sculpture workshop, a naval museum and then an officers' school.
Burned down in 1873 and 1907, having definitively lost its original vocation in 1884, the Corderie building was rebuilt. Protected as historical monuments, it now houses the historic services of the Ministry of Defense.
One-off visits are offered, in particular for groups, organized by the National Maritime Museum of Toulon. Inquire on +33 4 42 42 10 61 or +33 4 22 42 02 01.