Lorient: Sailing, Harbour and Submarine History
Accommodation in Lorient
Lorient offers several ways to explore its maritime past and present: interactive sailing experiences, insights into its submarine history and perspectives on activities in the roadstead. When planning your stay, you can decide which of these themes matter most for your trip.
Experience Sailing Interactively
At the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly, an interactive visit explores sailing and offshore racing. The offering includes films, children’s play areas, a dynamic 4D cinema and a section devoted to Éric Tabarly. Navigation simulators round out the programme. Alongside the films, visitors can also learn about navigation using a simulator.
In summer, access to the nautical stadium is free; visitors can try out Optimist and Mini-JI sailboats there. This seasonal offering provides a different experience from the simulators and the visit. Check the current summer programme before your visit.
Submarine History and KĂ©roman
The Flore-S645 submarine was in service from 1964 to 1989 and was highly active during the Cold War. An audio guide accompanies visitors on the tour and shares the memories of former submariners. The visit therefore presents the submarine’s history alongside personal recollections from the time of its crews.
The former KĂ©roman submarine base is considered an important part of the military heritage. The Germans built it between 1941 and 1943. A tour with an expert guide provides access to Bunker K3 and explains its construction, operation and history. At the end of the tour, the bunker roof offers panoramic views of the Lorient roadstead. Access options may vary; check the tour conditions in advance.
Roadstead, Harbour and Historic Routes
The Maison de la Mer produces 360-degree films that introduce a wide audience to maritime and port activities in the Lorient roadstead. The films are available through events and workshops; these options may vary. The “Circuits portuaires” programme complements the offering with various tours focusing on maritime techniques and the roadstead’s expertise. Dates and availability may differ from one tour to another.
At Lorient La Base, a historic trail marked by large totems traces the history of the submarine base and the village of Kéroman. It covers the period from before the Second World War to the present day. The trail can be explored using the free Rando Bretagne Sud app and its quizzes. The app’s availability and features may change.
City Break and Travel Dates
The Festival Interceltique takes place in Lorient every summer for one week in August. Its programme combines Celtic music with events spanning Galicia to Scotland. As dates and programme details may change, check the dates for the year you plan to travel.
For a break in the city centre, Parc Jules Ferry is a good spot for a picnic: the park covers more than 1.5 hectares, is close to the outer harbour and offers picnic areas. Your journey may also influence your choice of accommodation: Lorient is served by TGV trains and is less than three hours from Paris. Check the current timetable before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Camoël, Cadouarn, Sarzeau, La Vraie-Croix, Taupont, Malansac, Languidic, Cruguel.
For the regional travel overview: Morbihan.
