Lorient

Lorient is a dynamic port city on the southern coast of Brittany in France, known for its rich maritime heritage and famous Celtic festival. When planning how to get to Lorient, tourists can take advantage of the region's well-developed transport infrastructure, which makes the journey easy and enjoyable. You can reach this "city of five ports" in various ways: by direct flight, high-speed train, bus, or by car, enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the country's west.

The fastest way to reach the region is to take a flight to the local Lann-Bihoué airport (LRT), which is located just a few kilometres from the centre and is well-connected to the city. This is an excellent choice for those who value time and wish to start exploring Brittany immediately upon arrival.

If direct flights are unavailable, travellers often choose to fly into neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest alternative option is the airport in Quimper (61 km); Brest (110 km) or Saint-Nazaire (102 km) are also convenient arrival points, from where it is easy to reach your final destination by ground transport.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to arrive in Lorient, as the city is served by its own station, Gare de Lorient. Thanks to high-speed lines, TGV trains transport passengers from Paris in just 3 hours, ensuring a fast and convenient connection with the capital.

Additionally, regional connections are well-developed: regular trains run between neighbouring cities, allowing easy access from Quimper, Brest or Saint-Nazaire. The station is located in the city centre, making arrival by train exceptionally convenient for tourists.

Bus services offer an economical travel option with the opportunity to enjoy views of the French countryside. The route from Quimper is one of the fastest: the bus covers the distance of 67 km in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

A trip from Saint-Nazaire (171 km) will take a bit longer — about 3 hours 10 minutes. If you plan to depart from Brest (143 km), be prepared for a longer journey, which may take up to 10 hours depending on the chosen service and the number of stops.

Travelling by car provides freedom of movement and allows you to plan your own route along the scenic roads of Brittany. The drive from Quimper will take less than an hour — about 50 minutes (68 km), making this option very convenient for short visits.

The road from Brest (135 km) will require about 1.5 hours. If you are driving from Saint-Nazaire, expect to spend approximately 1 hour 40 minutes on the road, covering a distance of 147 km on high-quality highways.

To ensure your stay in Lorient is as pleasant and carefree as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations considering local specifics.

1. Dress for the weather. The climate in Brittany is changeable, so even in summer, it is worth carrying a light raincoat or windbreaker, as well as comfortable shoes for walking.
2. Water transport. Be sure to use the Batobus — this is public water transport that allows you to move quickly and scenically between the shores of the harbour.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but for markets or small cafes, it is better to have some cash.
4. Restaurant hours. Please note that lunch in France is strictly regulated: kitchens often operate from 12:00 to 14:00, and then reopen for dinner only after 19:00.
5. Language. The main language is French. English is understood in many tourist places, but a polite "Bonjour" (Hello) and "Merci" (Thank you) will significantly improve the attitude of the locals.
6. Sunday. Most shops, including grocery stores, may be closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping in advance.
7. Local delicacies. Do not miss the chance to try authentic Breton galettes (buckwheat pancakes) and local cider, which is traditionally served in ceramic bowls.

Following these simple rules will help you adapt faster and get the most enjoyment out of the atmosphere of this unique port city.