Footsteps of WWII · Western France
Keroman submarine base, Lorient
Naval base · Jul 1940–8 May 1945
The story
On 7 July 1940 Fritz-Julius Lemp's U-30 became the first U-boat to refuel at a French base, at Lorient. From November 1940 to March 1942 Admiral Dönitz directed the Atlantic campaign from a villa at Kernevel, facing the harbour. The Kriegsmarine built three huge pen blocks at Keroman from 1941; the largest, K3, could shelter 13 submarines under a roof over seven metres thick. The 2nd and 10th U-boat Flotillas were based here. Raids from January to February 1943 flattened nearly 90% of Lorient but left the base intact. The garrison held out until May 1945.
What to look for
The grey bulk of K1, K2 and K3 dominates the peninsula. Guided tours go inside K3. Nearby you can board the French submarine Flore (S645) and visit a 1942 bunker used to train submariners in escape, now the Musée sous-marin, as well as the Cité de la Voile.
Plan your visit
K3 guided tours from €7 adult (tours also in English). Flore submarine: daily 10:00–18:00 in the autumn school holidays; other dates vary. Musée sous-marin: Sundays 14:00–18:00 all year, daily in summer. Book online at lorientlabase.fr; check the website before you go.
Things change, so check opening times before you travel.
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Footsteps of WWII: Europe 1939–1945
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