Voyage autour du monde par la frégate du roi La Boudeuse et la flûte L'Étoile, en 1766, 1767, 1768 & 1769.

In this vivid first‑person account, the French navy’s daring attempt to circle the globe is presented as a solemn report to the king. The narrator frames the voyage as France’s rightful entry into the great age of discovery, following the legendary routes of Magellan, Drake and the Dutch pioneers. By invoking the Crown’s peace and patronage, the opening sets a tone of national pride and scientific curiosity, promising fresh knowledge of the southern seas.

The expedition sails aboard the frigate La Boudeuse and the flute L’Étoile, carrying a handful of the era’s most learned men. Their journals record the hardships of long passages, the awe of uncharted islands, and the meticulous measurements taken to improve maps of the Pacific. As they press on, the narrative captures the blend of hardship, wonder and the meticulous observation that defines early modern exploration, inviting listeners to experience the anticipation of a world still being revealed.