The France 1 was a stationary meteorological ship launched in 1958. It ensured its missions for 27 years until the entry into service of meteorological satellites in 1985. It then had to operate long stations on the places of formation and passage of worst depressions off the Atlantic Ocean at the geostationary point called "Romeo". Whipped by winds sometimes reaching 100 knots (180 km/h), swayed by hollows of 20 meters, this ship, whatever the weather, fulfilled its mission, and brought rain and shine to the national meteorology.
Decommissioned in 1988, she then entered the collection of the maritime museum, which undertook major restoration programs to make her the flagship of Atlantic maritime heritage.
For about ten years, a bar had also taken up residence on the upper deck of the ship and had become an essential meeting point for all La Rochelle residents, especially at sunset.
