The Bretagne was a fast 130-gun three-deck ship of the French Navy, designed by engineer Jules Marielle. Built as a new capital ship meant to improve on the very successful "Océan" class, while avoiding the weaknesses found on "Valmy", she retained most of the "Océan"'s design, and incorporated the philosophy of "fast ship of the line" pioneered by "Napoléon", with a rounded stern and a two-cylinder, 8-boiler steam engine allowing her a speed of 13.5 knots. The propeller could be retracted to streamline the hull when sailing under sail only.