La Base - Lorient

After going to Lorient and visiting the former submarine base several times, we decided to try the place next to the docks where racing boats are built and put... read more After going to Lorient and visiting the former submarine base several times, we decided to try the place next to the docks where racing boats are built and put to see. Lorient La Base, the former French submarine place is such a cool place filled with history and now hosting many high tech companies. It feels a little like a small silicon valley in Bretagne. Unfortunately La Base, the restaurant, is hoping to get some of the vibe but is not doing much to keep it. The service was absent. Our waiter was not courteous, limit arrogant. It feels like US High School. If you don’t look hip, the waiters are not interested... Superficial at best... The offering is pretentious but is really nothing out of the ordinary. The quality of the food from our order was questionable (my salmon brochette monocoque was undercooked... 4h later I was visiting the bathrooms multiple times). In conclusion, go and Visit the base but avoid La Base, the restaurant, it has already sunk...

My partner and I set aside some time to visit the Base in L'Orient and queued for half an hour to get in. When we eventually got to the ticket desk we were told... read more My partner and I set aside some time to visit the Base in L'Orient and queued for half an hour to get in. When we eventually got to the ticket desk we were told there was no tour available until the following day and only in French. There was no English tour available for a few weeks! They allowed everyone to queue up to this point without having the courtesy to put up a sign to say it was sold out. I am sure the cynical purpose of this is to trap people into visiting one of the other attractions that we were not tempted by. Given that this is effectively a war memorial and a lot of the people in the queue were elderly, I think this is shameful.

Nice place for a stroll , with the U boat history and excellent Crepe restaurant, but why close off the viewing tower ? It would have been great to view from th... read more Nice place for a stroll , with the U boat history and excellent Crepe restaurant, but why close off the viewing tower ? It would have been great to view from there

Large concrete bunkers, where the French submarines are kept in the water on in drydock. Several smaller buildings that house sailing yachts, who compete in oce... read more Large concrete bunkers, where the French submarines are kept in the water on in drydock. Several smaller buildings that house sailing yachts, who compete in oceaan races. Impressive, not beautiful.

Since Lorient was bombed to smithereens and hastily rebuilt there’s not much to see. But the whole submarine base and its pleasure boat section has a great feel... read more Since Lorient was bombed to smithereens and hastily rebuilt there’s not much to see. But the whole submarine base and its pleasure boat section has a great feel to it. Nice restaurants and many museums.