Lann Bihoue Airport

Lorient Bretagne Sud Airport (Aéroport de Lorient Bretagne Sud), formerly known as Lann-Bihoué, is not just an air gateway to the Morbihan department, but a site with a rich history. Originally built as a military airfield, today it harmoniously combines civil and naval aviation, giving it a distinct character. Located in the commune of Ploemeur, just a few kilometres from Lorient, the airport serves as a convenient starting point for travelling along the southern coast of Brittany, famous for its Celtic legends, picturesque landscapes, and maritime traditions.

Despite its modest size, Lorient Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start and end to your journey. The compact terminal allows for quick passage through all pre-flight and post-flight formalities, which is a significant advantage compared to large and busy aviation hubs. Car rental services are available at the airport, which is particularly convenient for those planning to explore Brittany on their own. Its unique location, due to its shared use with a naval airbase, makes it an interesting site even for aviation enthusiasts.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Lann-Bihoué Airport (LRT).

• Official Website: www.lorient.aeroport.fr
• Information Desk Phone: +33 2 97 87 21 50
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Lorient Bretagne Sud, 56270 Ploemeur, France
• Email: contact@lorient.aeroport.fr
• Social Media: The airport maintains a Facebook page where you can follow the latest news and flight updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage or personal items within the terminal, it is recommended to contact the airport information desk via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries related to services, schedules, and airport facilities, you can contact the information desk.

Getting to Lann-Bihoué Airport, located just a few kilometres from the centre of Lorient, is quite simple. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods: public transport, taxi, or a rented car.

Public Transport is the most economical option. The airport is served by the CTRL bus network. Route No. 10 runs regularly between the airport (stop "Aéroport") and the city's main transport hub, the "Gare d'Echanges" station. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes, and the ticket price corresponds to the standard city fare. This is an excellent choice for light travellers and those looking to save money.

Taxi or Transfer is synonymous with comfort and speed. A taxi ride from the centre of Lorient to the airport will take about 15 minutes. Cars can be found at designated stands in the city or ordered by phone. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or large luggage, you can book a private transfer in advance. The driver will meet you at the specified location and take you directly to the terminal for a fixed price.

Car Rental and Parking is the ideal choice for those planning to actively explore Brittany and other corners of France. Representatives of several major rental companies operate directly at Lann-Bihoué Airport. If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, several parking lots are at your service: short-term P1 for quick drop-off and pick-up, as well as parking lots P2 and P3 for longer stays. All parking zones are within walking distance of the terminal.

The choice of transport depends on your priorities: bus for budget, taxi for comfort and speed, and a car for independence. It is also worth noting that there are other air hubs in the region. If your flight arrives at larger airports, such as Brest Bretagne Airport or Rennes Airport, you will need to allocate additional time for the journey to Lorient by train or bus.

Lann-Bihoué Airport (LRT), serving the city of Lorient and its surroundings, is distinguished by its compactness and convenience. The airport operates just one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and seasonal international flights. This makes it extremely easy to navigate, even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal structure is intuitive. All key zones—check-in, security screening, boarding gates, and baggage claim—are located in one building and within walking distance of each other. Thanks to the compact layout, you will not have to cover long distances. Navigation is simplified by clear signage, making your stay at this airport in France as comfortable as possible, and transfers between terminals are simply not required.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located close to each other. In the departure zone, you will find airline check-in counters and a single security control point. Immediately after screening, passengers enter a small but cosy waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a hall with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the main terminal hall, where car rental desks and the exit to the parking and taxi rank are located.

Passing through all pre-flight formalities at Lann-Bihoué Airport usually takes little time. Due to the low passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are generally minimal. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1–1.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be more than enough to check in luggage without rushing, pass through control, and calmly walk to your boarding gate.

The history of Lann-Bihoué Airport (LRT) is closely linked to the military history of the 20th century. Its creation began during the Second World War, when German forces established an airfield on this site in **1941**. It was used as a base for long-range reconnaissance aircraft patrolling the Atlantic. This strategic location determined its future fate even after the war ended.

After the liberation of France, the airfield was transferred to the French Navy and transformed into one of the largest naval airbases — *Base d'aéronautique navale de Lann-Bihoué*. Parallel to military use, the development of civil aviation also began. The airport was officially opened for commercial passenger transport in **1961**, establishing air connections between the city of Lorient and other regions.

An important stage in the modernisation of civil infrastructure was the opening of a new passenger terminal in **1997**. This significantly improved the quality of service and increased the airport's capacity. To this day, Lann-Bihoué retains its unique status as a dual-purpose facility, where civil flights are operated from the territory of an active military base, which is its key feature.

Among the interesting facts related to the airport's history, one cannot fail to mention the famous **Bagad de Lann-Bihoué**. This world-renowned Breton pipe band was founded in 1952 on the grounds of the naval base. It has become a true cultural symbol not only of the Brittany region but of the entire French fleet, adding a vibrant and musical page to the history of the airport.

Lann-Bihoué Airport (LRT), serving the city of Lorient and its surroundings, is a compact but well-equipped transport hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the terminal building, there is a restaurant where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or order hot meals. Additionally, there is a small shop offering newspapers, books, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

For those who wish to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. The waiting lounge also features charging stations for mobile devices. There are no separate VIP lounges in the airport; however, the general waiting area is spacious and comfortable enough for all categories of travellers.

Regarding practical services, an ATM is installed in the terminal. The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility — special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and there are adapted restrooms and parking spaces. It is recommended to book assistance services in advance through your airline. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are available.

Business travellers can utilise the services of the business centre and rent a conference room for meetings. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but plenty of accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Lorient and neighbouring Ploemeur, which are easily accessible by taxi. This is an important gateway for discovering the Brittany region in the west of France.

Lann-Bihoué Airport (LRT) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. However, passengers can find everything needed for a snack or a full meal in one place before departure.

The main and only establishment where you can eat at the airport is the restaurant L'Hélice. It is located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public area (landside), before passing through security control. This is an important point: if you plan to eat, do so before heading to the departure zone.

L'Hélice offers several service formats:

• For a quick snack: in the café section, you can order coffee, other beverages, fresh pastries (croissants, buns), sandwiches, and salads. This is an ideal option if you are short on time.
• For a full lunch: the restaurant area (brasserie) offers more substantial meals. Here you can order the "dish of the day" (plat du jour), which is a great opportunity to try authentic French cuisine at a reasonable price, as well as other items from the à la carte menu.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find salads or other vegetable dishes on the menu. Regarding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options, it is best to check directly with the staff. The price range is average, typical for French airports. The opening hours of the café are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, while the restaurant section is typically open for lunch on weekdays. We recommend checking current information on the airport website before your trip.

Travelling through Lann-Bihoué Airport in the city of Lorient, located in the picturesque region of Brittany in France, can be simple and convenient if you know a few nuances. It is a small regional airport, making it less chaotic compared to large international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights and 2.5-3 hours before international ones. This time will be sufficient to pass through all formalities without rushing.

To save time, check in for your flight online and, if you are travelling light, head straight to security control. Screening procedures here are standard, but queues are usually shorter. Ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage are in containers of up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer you magnificent views of the Brittany coast during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to move freely during the flight.

In hand luggage, besides standard restrictions on liquids, it is prohibited to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous items. Always check your airline's regulations. Customs control for flights within the Schengen area is usually absent, but standard EU rules apply for international destinations. Declare goods and cash if their value exceeds established limits.

Passengers with transfers should clarify in advance whether they need to re-check their luggage themselves. Since the airport is small, moving between gates will not take much time, but it is always better to have a time buffer. To save money, book flight tickets and parking in advance, and consider using public transport to travel to and from the airport. Bring an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Keep all receipts — they may be needed for compensation. The airport has a café and Wi-Fi access, which will help pass the waiting time.