The Étoile du Roy does not go unnoticed on the docks of Lorient. Its massive silhouette is known not only to lovers of old sailing ships but also to film buffs. The ship is featured in The Count of Monte Cristo, with Pierre Niney.
Sylvie and Guy would not have missed this opportunity to climb aboard the Étoile du Roy for anything in the world. And for good reason: the three-master appears in the new film version of the Count of Monte-Cristo where he shares the spotlight with Pierre Niney. “When I knew that the ship would be in Lorient, I said: come on, let’s go, we’ll visit it, says Sylvie. We are still on the boat of the film.”
“What a dream, smiles Pascale, he is majestic”. Jean-Pierre also has a feast for the eyes: “I had seen it being repaired but never on the water. Impressive” he adds.
L’Étoile du Roy is participating in the Lorient Oceans festival until June 30, 2024. This 46-meter-long old sailing ship, a replica of an 18th-century privateer frigate, is not at its first experience with cinema. The vessel also served as a set for the Napoleon by Ridley Scott as well as Three Musketeers by Martin Bourboulon. “And there, says Wilfrid Provost, its owner, we have just returned from filming with an American director”.
Pour The Counts of Monte Cristo, The ship set sail for Malta at the end of 2023. “We shot the opening scene and the last scene, raconte Wilfrid Provost. The sailors of the Etoile du Roy play in the film, they are in costume because they are the only ones authorized to climb the mast, for example. The crew and the film crew are one and that is magical when things work out. We even had a little party on board after the shoot all together. Pierre Niney, a lovely guy.”
After its stopover in Lorient, the three-master, based in Saint-Malo, will carry out its summer program. Starting with the Brest Maritime Festival from July 12 to 17. Then he will join the Fêtes Maritimes de Douarnenez from July 18 to 21.
(With Stéphane Izad)
