The French ship Illustre was a 74-gun ship of the line built in 1781 and served in the French Navy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It participated in several key naval engagements, including the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797 and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Illustre underwent multiple repairs and refits throughout its service life, demonstrating its enduring importance to the French naval fleet. The ship saw action in various conflicts, showcasing its strategic significance in naval warfare during the Age of Sail. Illustre's detailed history reflects the broader trends and developments in naval technology, tactics, and warfare during its era. Its participation in major battles underscores its role as a crucial element of French naval power and its impact on historical events. The ship's legacy continues to be studied by historians, providing valuable insights into the maritime history of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.