After work lasting 17 years (started in 1997) and her grand inaugural voyage in the summer of 2015, L'Hermione now spends much of the year docked in Rochefort where she is open to the public. The 45m-long, three-master is a replica of Lafayette's famous "12-pounder frigate", with the exception of a few modern features. She makes for a fascinating visit, largely thanks to the commentaries provided by the ship's crew.