What to do in Lorient: the complete guide

Lorient owes its name to the French East India Company, which had its ships built here in the 17th century. Almost entirely destroyed in 1943, the town was rebuilt around its harbours: naval, fishing, commercial and ocean racing.

The submarine base

At Keroman, the huge concrete blocks built during the war now house the stables of the great racing yachts. Block K3 can be visited with a guide, and the Flore submarine, moored alongside, can be explored from bow to stern with its museum.

The Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly

On the same site, the Cité de la Voile tells the story of ocean racing through simulators and models. A good complement to the submarine, and a visit children enjoy in any weather.

Port-Louis and its citadel

Across the harbour, the citadel of Port-Louis houses the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes and a branch of the Musée national de la Marine. A water bus links Lorient to Port-Louis in a quarter of an hour.

Larmor-Plage and the Île de Groix

The beaches of Larmor-Plage are ten minutes from the centre. For a day at sea, the boat leaves Lorient for the Île de Groix, a forty five minute crossing: you can ride round it by bike, as far as the Pen-Men lighthouse.

The Festival Interceltique

Every summer, Lorient welcomes the music and dances of the Celtic nations. In 2027, the festival will take place from 30 July to 8 August.

Where to stay in Lorient