Keroman 3

Keroman 3 Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Lorient’s Historic Submarine Base

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Keroman 3, located on the southern coast of Brittany, France, is one of the most significant and formidable reminders of World War II naval history in Europe. As part of the larger Keroman Submarine Base in Lorient, this massive bunker was constructed by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1943 to serve as a key U-boat facility during the Battle of the Atlantic. Its innovative engineering, including a seven-meter-thick roof built to withstand Allied bombings, makes it a marvel of wartime construction (Cité de la Voile Tabarly; BEA Architects).

Post-war, Keroman 3 continued its strategic role under the French Navy until 1997. Today, it stands at the heart of Lorient La Base—a thriving cultural and historical complex where visitors can explore WWII heritage, maritime museums, and immersive tours. This guide provides up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing details, accessibility information, travel tips, and a deep dive into the history and legacy of Keroman 3.

Historical Overview
Origins and Strategic Importance
Construction and Engineering
WWII Operations and Postwar Use
Preservation and Present-Day Role
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Ticket Prices
Guided Tours and Accessibility
Travel Tips
What to Expect
Tour Highlights
Facilities and Amenities
Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources

Historical Overview

Origins and Strategic Importance

After the German occupation of France in 1940, Lorient was chosen for its deep-water harbor and ideal location to support Nazi Germany’s Atlantic U-boat campaign. The Keroman complex ultimately consisted of three massive bunkers—K1, K2, and the largest, K3—built to shelter, repair, and maintain German submarines (Cité de la Voile Tabarly; Visit Lorient Brittany).

Construction and Engineering

Construction of Keroman 3 was a vast undertaking, coordinated by the Organisation Todt and involving around 15,000 workers, including POWs and conscripted civilians. The bunker’s roof, up to seven meters thick, layered with reinforced concrete and sand, provided near-impenetrable defense against Allied bombs (Wikipedia; U-Boat Bases). Its interior featured seven submarine pens (both wet and dry docks), workshops, technical facilities, and a unique internal rail system for moving heavy equipment.

WWII Operations and Postwar Use

Operational from 1942, Keroman 3 became the nerve center for German U-boat activity, hosting hundreds of submarines and serving as the headquarters for Admiral Dönitz’s fleet (Historical Sites). Despite relentless Allied bombing, the bunkers remained intact, enabling continued submarine operations until the Allied advance in 1944. Post-war, the French Navy used Keroman 3 until its decommissioning in 1997, adapting it to new submarine technologies and missions (La Flore Museum).

Preservation and Present-Day Role

Recognizing its historical and architectural importance, local authorities transformed Keroman 3 into a public heritage site. Awarded the “20th Century Heritage” label, it now anchors Lorient La Base—a destination for guided tours, museums, and cultural events (Visit Lorient Brittany). The site’s adaptive reuse harmonizes its WWII legacy with educational and community activities.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Keroman 3 and Lorient La Base: Open year-round, typically 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Guided Tours:
- Outside French school holidays: Sunday at 15:00
- During school holidays: Daily at 15:00
- Closed: December 25, December 31, and January for maintenance (Chemins de Mémoire)
Verify current hours on the official website before visiting.

Ticket Prices

Adults: €7–€12 (varies by tour and combined tickets)
Children (under 18): €4
Reduced Rate: €4 (for seniors, job seekers, people with disabilities)
Children under 7: Free
Guided Tour Surcharges: Some tours may include an additional fee.
Tickets are available online or at the entrance.

Guided Tours and Accessibility

Languages: French and English; other languages by request (La Flore)
Duration: 1.5 hours; group size is limited (advance booking recommended)
Accessibility: Most ground-level areas are wheelchair accessible, but the historic structure includes stairs and uneven ground. Contact staff for individual needs (Lorient Bretagne Sud Tourisme).
Audio Guides: Available at related sites such as the Flore-S645 submarine museum.

Travel Tips

Getting There:
- Address: Rue Ingénieur Romazotti, 56100 Lorient, France
- By car: Ample parking on site
- Public transport: Local buses from Lorient city center; 5 km from train station (About2Cruise)
What to Bring:
- Sturdy shoes and a jacket (cool, damp interior)
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing
- Photography is allowed in most areas (no flash or tripods unless permitted)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

What to Expect

Tour Highlights

Submarine Pens: Explore vast dry and wet docks, workshops, and command areas.
Roof Access: Some tours include the bunker’s roof, with panoramic views of Lorient harbor and Port-Louis citadel.
Historical Interpretation: Guides provide detailed context on military operations, engineering feats, and the site’s transformation.
Special Exhibits: Learn about the Organisation Todt construction, anti-aircraft defenses, and the innovative mechanical cradle system moving submarines between pens (explorabilia.co.uk).

Facilities and Amenities

Visitor Center: Ticketing, restrooms, and information
Cafés and Shops: Nearby in Lorient La Base district
Parking: Ample, including spaces for visitors with disabilities
Gift Shop: Maritime and WWII memorabilia
Accessibility: Most main areas accessible; rooftop via stairs only

Nearby Attractions

Sous-Marin Flore-S645 Museum: Explore a real French Navy submarine with interactive exhibits (La Flore)
Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly: Sailing museum celebrating maritime innovation
Davis Tower: Historic submarine escape trainer
Lorient City Center: Shops, markets, and restaurants
Port-Louis Citadel: Historic fortress with harbor views

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I visit Keroman 3 without a guide?
No, access is only permitted via guided tours for safety and preservation reasons.

Are tours available in English?
Yes, guided tours are offered in French and English. Other languages may be available by advance request.

Is the site suitable for children?
Tours are educational but not recommended for very young children due to narrow passages and low lighting. Children under 7 are admitted free.

Is Keroman 3 wheelchair accessible?
Most ground-level areas are accessible, but some sections (including roof access) require stair use. Contact the tourist office for details.

Can I take photos inside?
Photography is generally allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted.

Are there special events or night tours?
Special events and exhibitions are held periodically. Check the official website for announcements.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Keroman 3 is both a technological marvel and a poignant symbol of Lorient’s WWII history. Its survival through relentless bombing, subsequent adaptation by the French Navy, and transformation into a site of public memory make it an essential destination for anyone interested in military history, engineering, or maritime heritage (Visit Lorient Brittany; explorabilia.co.uk).

Visitor Tips:

Book tickets online in advance, especially during holidays and summer.
Combine your visit with the Flore-S645 submarine and Cité de la Voile for a full maritime experience.
Allow at least 2–3 hours for the tour and nearby attractions.
Check the official tourism website for current hours and accessibility updates.