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Lorient - Morbihan

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Lorient prospered when the Compagnie des Indes moved here in the 17th century and developed into an important naval base, commercial and fishing port. Severe bombing in 1944 destroyed most of the old town and today it is not very interesting architecturally. It does have lively nightlife and some excellent restaurants.

The fishing port is immense (second largest in France) and worth a visit for the auction of the morning catch. The old submarine base, originally built by the Germans, is now deserted - the last sub left in 1997. The tourist office arranges daily visits. Alternatively, there are visits to the Victor Pleven, a trawler once used for cod fishing off Newfoundland. Boats leave the port for the Ile de Groix and Belle Ile.

Lorient plays host to important yacht races each year and the Festival Interceltique takes place the first fortnight of August. Uniting Celtic peoples from the British Isles, Spain and Brittany, the festival draws more than 4,500 artists and musicians every year for traditional music and dancing in the streets. Cider, crêpes and cotriade (fish stew) are on sale around the fishing harbour, complete with Astérix-style village. The festival is highly recommended, but with over 300,000 people attending, it can get crowded.

Related pages:

Map of Morbihan

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