Named in honor of the Sun King Louis XIV, Soleil Royal (Royal Sun) was the symbol of grace and capacity. As the flagship of Admiral Tourville, Soleil Royal was sumptuously decorated with wooden carvings that depicted a variety of motifs symbolic of the French monarch.

 On May 29th, 1692, Soleil Royal made history. 21 nautical miles northeast of the headland of Barfleur, the French formation of 45 battleships attacked the English and Dutch fleets with a combined strength of 97 vessels. After a bloody battle lasting for 12 hours the British and Dutch were totally chaotic and fled, suffering significant losses (battle of Hougue.)

 After the battle, she was beached in Cherbourg for repair, along with two other ships.  At port, they became a defenseless target for the British fire ship attack on June 2nd and 3rd. The loss Soleil Royal--the most impressive tall ship that France ever built, together with 18 others, was the most serious naval setback for France in the 17th century.

Today, Soleil Royal remains France’s cry of courage. Two other vessels had the honor of being renamed after her.