Built around a yacht-filled harbour, Lorient is an elegant waterfront city founded in the 17th century. It has a rich maritime heritage, with the famous French East India Company established here in 1664. Strolling around the streets of the historic district is one of the best ways to enjoy Lorient, stopping to admire the beautiful Art Deco houses and enjoy coffee and croissants at an al fresco café.
Things to do in Lorient
Water shuttles whisk you across to Port-Louis, where you can take a walking tour of the star-shaped fort and visit the museum. There’s also a picturesque sandy beach and a scenic walking trail that takes you past the small town of Locmiquélic.
Once the flagship vessel of the French navy, today Submarine Flore-S645 is one of the city’s top attractions. The high-performance Daphne-type submarine has been reimagined as an interactive museum where you can learn about life onboard the underwater vessel and the role Lorient played in the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II.
In summer, Lorient is an ideal base for beach hopping along the coast. Larmor-Plage is one of the most popular beaches, fringed by golden sand and backed by handsome villas. Spend the day basking in the sunshine and cooling off in the Atlantic. Walking trails hug the coastline and showcase the beautiful seascapes of Lorient. The walk to Le Fort-Bloqué is stunning and it’s possible to walk out to the 18th-century fort at low tide.
Getting around Lorient
Pedestrian-friendly Lorient is compact and easy to get around on foot while bicycles are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around. The train station is located in the city centre, with TGV intercity trains running between Paris and Lorient in around three hours. Lorient Airport offers regular flights to Lyon, Toulouse and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airports.