Visit the Lorient military base
A historic site looking to the future
If there’s one place in Southern Brittany that brings together history, culture and entertainment, it’s “La Base” in Lorient. 70% of the city of Lorient was destroyed in the Second World War, but the submarine base in the harbor opposite Port-Louis escaped. It retains its authenticity with museums in the original buildings, but also attracts a new audience with bars and restaurants as well as a performance hall.
The base during the Second World War
Built between 1941 and 1943 by the Germans, this 26-hectare military base saw the emergence of 3 enormous concrete blocks, named KI, KII, KIII. These 3 bunkers, built by over 15,000 workers, served as a base for the German Navy’s U-boats. The aim was to protect German submarines from British aerial bombardment.
In 1942, the Keroman area was equipped with a rescue simulator for submariners (it can still be seen in the submarine museum). Throughout the war, the base, located south of Lorient, saw hundreds of U-boats and submariners pass through.
Thanks to its vital importance in the Battle of the Atlantic, the site was subjected to intense bombardment, which destroyed 70% of the city of Lorient. After the liberation, and until 1997, the base was occupied by the French Navy, notably for the repair and refueling of amphibious craft.
Cultural visits to the base
In the 2000s, Lorient and the surrounding area took on a new challenge, transforming the site into a major cultural hub. Today, these concrete behemoths are steeped in history and a veritable treasure trove of Breton heritage.
Cité de la voile Eric Tabarly
In tribute to one of the world’s greatest skippers and an “exceptional sailor”, who died in 1998, the town of Lorient inaugurated the “Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly” 10 years later. A showcase for sailing, the Cité de Voile offers an immersion into the world of boating for amateurs and experienced sailors alike. Young and old alike are guided through the fundamentals of navigation on an active, animated tour. The various permanent exhibits take you into a world where you can prepare for, experience and understand the life of a sailor. Leaving the building via the Tour des Vents, you’ll pass by the pontoon to discover a number of sailing boats, including one or more of Eric Tabarly’s famous Pen Duick boats.
Submarine Museum
This museum will delight history buffs as they relive the dark hours through archive videos, eyewitness accounts and more. In the world’s oldest submarine rescue simulator, you’ll be transported back to the history of the Battle of the Atlantic. Scuba diving films allow you to contemplate shipwrecks such as the U-boat 171 or the Isère transporter that transported the Statue of Liberty in 1885. The films also take you into an ecosystem you’d never guess existed, where the flora and fauna are extremely diverse.
Flore-S645 submarine and museum
The museum will transport you into a world where you can discover the importance of submarines in world warfare. You’ll learn how they work, with their propulsion components, the engine room and life on board. After the museum, you can visit the Flore-S645 submarine, Lorient’s must-see! Immerse yourself in the past, and see what life was like for submariners in this cramped space, where everyone had their own well-defined role and skills.
A place for strolling and entertaining
Today, the base is a center of nautical excellence thanks to “Lorient Grand Large”, which accompanies, trains and coaches the biggest sailing teams based in Lorient, such as Banque Populaire, Sodebo, Gitana Team, etc. It’s not unusual to see the world’s greatest skippers here, as well as imoca or trimarans preparing for the biggest ocean races.
More recently, in 2019, thecity of Lorient inaugurated a new space called “Hydrophone”, comprising two concert halls. This space is also equipped with rehearsal and recording studios.
In addition to its cultural appeal, the former Lorient military base is now a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a drink overlooking the harbors with its beautiful boats. On your stroll out to sea, you may also spot a wreck from the Second World War.
As you can see, the former Lorient military base is a veritable economic, cultural, tourist and nautical hub. To discover this place rich in history, we recommend staying at Flower Camping Le Kergariou, just a few kilometers away.
Located in South Finistère, but close to Morbihan, you can discover the many facets of Brittany.