La Belle Poule was constructed in 1932 by the « Chantier Naval de Normandie », in Fecamp, for the French naval academy. It is identical to its sister ship, the Étoile. Both vessels are of the “Paimpolaise” type of fishing schooner, which sailed from the North coast of France to Island during the late 1800’s. During WWII, the two schooners were used by the French Naval Free Force (FNFL) as training ships, a deed for which they still hold the honor of flying the French flag with the Cross of Lorraine. The schooners are now used in the training of midshipmen in the fine arts of open sea sailing and navigation.

Flag: France
Rig: Topsail Schooner
Class: B
Homeport: Brest, France
Sparred Length: 124'
Draft: 12'
Hull: Wood