Fleuriot de Langle and the Preparation of the Lapérouse Expedition in Brest: A Lecture by Rear Admiral François Bellec

On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the Lapérouse Albi-France Association (ALAF) attended an exceptional lecture in Brest dedicated to Paul-Antoine Fleuriot de Langle, commander of L’Astrolabe and second-in-command of the expedition. Organised by the Société d’Études de Brest et du Léon at the Colbert Hall of Brest City Hall, the event took place as part of the European Heritage Days and coincided with the publication of special issue No. 14 of Cahiers de l’Iroise.

Brieg Haslé-Le Gall, President of the Société d’Études de Brest et du Léon (left), and Rear Admiral François Bellec (right).

The speaker, Rear Admiral François Bellec, a member of the French Naval Academy, retraced the career of this Enlightenment-era ‘scholar-officer’ and highlighted his crucial role in the material and scientific preparations for the expedition. Those in attendance enjoyed a captivating presentation that revealed the behind-the-scenes story of the expedition’s preparations in Brest:

A Proven Friendship and Trust: Having served alongside La Pérouse during the American Revolutionary War, Fleuriot de Langle shared with him a deep bond of trust and understanding, essential for an undertaking of this scale.

The Creation of a “Floating University”: While La Pérouse was working on the expedition’s instructions at Versailles, Fleuriot de Langle oversaw the enormous task of loading the ships (La Boussole and L’Astrolabe) at Brest. They were stocked with provisions and equipment, but above all with the most advanced scientific instruments of the day, including marine chronometers and Borda’s repeating circles, as well as a team of scientists and artists.

A Tragic Fate and a Living Legacy: The lecture recalled his pivotal role up until his tragic death in Samoa in 1787, as well as the planned transfer of his remains to the National Maritime Museum at Brest Castle in December 2026, ensuring that his memory lives on.

The event continued with warm and constructive discussions with a particularly attentive audience. Our presence in Brest once again bears witness to the strong bonds that unite enthusiasts of La Pérouse’s epic voyage, from Albi to Brittany. The ALAF remains fully committed to supporting and promoting these commemorative events. You will be kept informed of our upcoming news and activities through this same channel.

If our participation in events of this kind inspires you, and you would like to help raise awareness of the legacy of the renowned navigator Jean-François de Lapérouse, we warmly invite you to join the Association Lapérouse Albi France. By becoming a member of the ALAF, you will join a team of passionate individuals dedicated to promoting maritime history, exploration, and the heritage associated with Lapérouse. Your support helps keep the memory of this great navigator alive and pass on the story of his remarkable life to future generations.

Join the Association: https://www.laperouse-france.org/en/join-renew/

You can also connect and exchange ideas with the community on the association’s Discord server, a new space for discussion and sharing among enthusiasts of history and exploration.