Making the most of Lorient
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Lying on an immense natural harbor formed by three rivers that flow into the Atlantic, Lorient nestles along the beautiful southern coast of Brittany.
800 meters to city center.
Lorient is a commune and a seaport in the Morbihan department of Brittany. Most of the city was destroyed during World War II and today's Lorient reflects an architectural style of the 1950s. Brittany is famous for its megalithic monuments, which are scattered over the peninsula, the largest alignments are near Carnac. Surrounded by the sea, Lorient offers a wide range of fresh sea food and fish, especially mussels and oysters.
Once a base for French colonialism, Lorient boasts the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes, a museum displaying artifacts from 1660 to the end of the 18th century. Still, Lorient has a modern appearance, as it was thoroughly rebuilt after World War II. For a unique perspective of that time, visit the massive German submarine base.
Transportation
A scenic walking area along the Scorff River, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Railway station with regional train and TGV to Paris in city center.
Nearby places
Enjoy a leisurely day spent visiting the pretty town of Quimper. Located in a scenic valley at the juncture of the Steir and Odet rivers, this delightful enclave is a popular tourist destination and boasts a long tradition of pottery making.
About 1 hour away by public transport from Lorient.
Food and shopping
Oversized wheat or buckwheat crêpes stuffed with sweet ingredients are traditional. Other favorites include creamed scallops and lamb reared on the seaside salt marshes.
Money
Euro
Opening Hours and
Most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks in France stay open all day. The exceptions are the smaller shops and enterprises, which may close for lunch sometime between 12.30pm and 2pm. Basic hours of business are from 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday for the big shops and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller shops (some of the smaller shops may open on Monday afternoon). You can always find boulangeries and food shops that do stay open, however, on days when others close – on Sunday normally until noon.