Louis XIV ruled France in the 17th century, making him one of the most powerful men in the world. Le Soleil Royal was built in Brest in 1669. Finished with gilded and sky-blue details and bearing images of Louis XIV, this ship of the line was the pride of the French Royal Navy.

During the Battle of Barfleur in 1692, the French attacked a combined English and Dutch fleet. Le Soleil Royal was severely damaged and sank off the French coast less than a month later. A model of Le Soleil Royal is currently on display at the Evergreen Maritime Museum.