THE CANOT IMPERIAL (1811) The IMPERIAL BARGE was built in 1811 to a design by the engineer GUILLEMARE. Construction went at great speed: she was built in 21 days apart from the decoration which is rich and abundant: there is a multiple figurehead, the imperial arms on the upper stern rails and, surmounting a magnificent poop, a large crown supported by four cherubs. This beautiful vessel saw little service. NAPOLEON I used it to visit the port of ANVERS: she was then taken to BREST where, in August 1858, NAPOLEON III and the Empress went aboard to visit the great port. In 1943, the ship was taken by rail to PARIS to be laid up with some difficulties, in the Maritime Museum.