What to expect on board
Walking the quays is impressive, but the magic of the Armada is climbing aboard. Throughout the ten days you can step onto historic sailing ships from around the world, wander the decks, peer up at towering masts and kilometres of rigging, and chat with the international crews who sail them. It is hands-on, free, and unlike anything else — a chance to stand on the deck of a 19th-century ocean trader or a tall ship that has circled the globe.
Each vessel has its own character. Some are grand square-riggers with three or four masts; others are sleek schooners or full-rigged naval training ships crewed by young cadets. Part of the fun is simply wandering from one to the next, comparing them, and finding your favourite.
How free boarding works — and how to skip the queues
Boarding is genuinely free, with no ticket required. The catch is timing: the most famous ships draw long queues by mid-morning, especially at weekends. Our advice is simple — arrive early. In the first hour or two of the day you can board the headline vessels with little or no wait, before the crowds build. Save the busier afternoon for the smaller ships, which rarely have queues. Boarding times can vary by vessel and are confirmed closer to the event, so check the official schedule when it is published.
Understanding the fleet: ship types explained
The terms can be confusing, so here is a quick guide to what you will see:
- Barque — three or more masts, square sails on all but the rearmost. The classic "tall ship" silhouette (the Belem and Statsraad Lehmkuhl are barques).
- Barquentine — square sails only on the foremast, fore-and-aft sails on the rest.
- Schooner / topsail schooner — mainly fore-and-aft sails; sleek and fast (the Santa Maria Manuela and Gulden Leeuw are schooners).
- Frigate — a square-rigged warship type; L'Étoile du Roy is a spectacular replica of an 18th-century corsair frigate.
Don't worry about memorising them — but knowing the difference makes the fleet even more rewarding to explore.
The stars of the 2027 fleet
Some ships draw a crowd wherever they go. Le Belem (France, 1896) is the undisputed star — the last great French sailing merchant ship and a national treasure. Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway, 1914) is widely held to be one of the most beautiful tall ships afloat. L'Étoile du Roy looks like it sailed straight out of a pirate film, while the white-hulled Santa Maria Manuela (Portugal) tells the story of the Grand Banks cod fishery. See the full confirmed fleet above, and don't miss the brand-new Viking drakkars on the left bank.
Naval ships and modern vessels
Alongside the historic sailing ships, the Armada traditionally welcomes modern naval vessels from various countries, which also open to visitors. They offer a fascinating contrast — cutting-edge technology moored a few metres from a 19th-century barque.
Want to actually sail?
Visiting is wonderful, but sailing is unforgettable. During the festival there are opportunities to get out on the water — from Seine cruises that glide past the moored fleet to the rare chance to sail aboard a tall ship. These sell out fast, so book ahead. And of course, the whole fleet sails together for the closing Grande Parade.
Photography & visiting tips
- Golden hour (early morning and evening) gives the best light on the masts and hulls.
- Walk both banks for different angles — tall ships on one side, Viking ships on the other.
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes — decks, gangways and quays are uneven.
- Boarding involves steps and gangways; access varies by ship and can be limited — see our accessibility guide.
The fleet on the Seine
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