Lorient tourist information
The port of L’Orient and the town which was constructed round it were founded by Louis XIV in order to serve the Compagnie des Indes (India Export Company) in 1666. Protected by the Saint-Louis Citadel, at the entrance to the bay, Lorient had a long period of prosperity thanks to the spice trade with Madagascar and Africa, as well as India. Today you can still see tree trunks upright in the Scorff, planted over 400 years ago ready to build immense trading ships. However, not a lot remains of this period – only one or two magnificent houses along the quays managed to escape the intense allied bombing of 1944-45. The German troops had made an impregnable submarine base here, where they remained until 9 May 1945!
So, architecture is perhaps not the reason to visit Lorient, but it is still a very pleasant town. It is modern, clean, open, and agreeable with large areas dedicated to pedestrians. It’s great just sitting on a café terrace or enjoying one of the excellent restaurants, because the yachts are moored up right in the centre of town, which is quite unusual. Lorient is also a major fishing port (the second largest in France) and the seafood is so good that you can walk into almost any restaurant and have a wonderful meal. The beach and the forest are never far away, and it’s not unusual to meet a group of young locals on the bus, laden down with a surfboard or beach equipment – during any season.
To the north of the town, at Ploemeur, there are long sandy beaches punctuated with the occasional rocky point, and ideal for surfing. Horse riding is also popular, both on the beaches and in the forests. Scared of horses? Try kayaking up the Laita for a while. It’s quite energetic work, but the banks of this river are so beautiful that it’s worth the paddle.
Throughout August, Lorient reaffirms its Celtic heritage by hosting the renowned Festival Interceltique. Brace yourself: it’s a mix of Celts from Brittany, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Spain and Cornwall. It’s an incredible atmosphere, very hospitable and friendly, but don’t go if you are allergic to beer or bagpipes.
If you take a boat, you can cross the bay to Locmiqélic, a charming little port, or Port Louis with its castle built by Vauban, today home to the marine museum. Try taking a ferry to the Ile de Groix, a pearl of rock and greenery just half a mile offshore.
Lorient is not a sad town, despite being dest royed just 50 years ago. You’ll be welcomed with a smile, and if you overlook its rather unoriginal architecture, you’ll really enjoy your stay. Whether it’s the sound of rigging in the masts, or the squeal of bagpipes that attracts you, come to Lorient!
Lorient aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Lorient aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Lorient.
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