The Belem was awarded Monument Historique status in 1984, when she returned to France to become a civilian training ship. Built in 1896, she was originally a commercial vessel belonging to the Crouan fleet of Nantes shipowners.
It carries cocoa beans for the Meunier chocolate company, bound for Brazil, the West Indies and several other South American countries. Today, it is owned by the Belem Foundation, and welcomes participants wishing to discover sailing aboard a 19th-century tall ship ème for multi-day stays.
In its 120-year history, the legendary three-master has had several careers and owners, flying French, English and even Italian flags.
