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Lorient - Morbihan
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.
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