Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly

About the museum

The Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly opened in April 2008 in Lorient, after ten years of preparation. The project was born after the death of the sailor Éric Tabarly, on the initiative of his family and friends, with support from local authorities, the state and the European Union. The building, designed by architect Jacques Ferrier, stands on the site of the former Keroman submarine base, converted into a hub for offshore racing.

The venue offers a playful, interactive route in six stages: discovering the boats and their designers, preparing a crossing, accounts from famous sailors, a space devoted to Éric Tabarly, a play area for 2- to 6-year-olds and challenges (navigation simulator, virtual race, radio-controlled sailing boats, 4D cinema). The Pen Duick, the sailor's boats, are moored on the neighbouring pontoons of the Pôle international de course au large.

After attendance fell in the early 2010s, the centre closed for six months for renovation and reopened at the end of April 2015 with more interactive content. The site now also offers a sailing trip in the roadstead, the TyRoll zip-line descent from the Tour des vents and the Cité des Moussaillons, a space for 2- to 12-year-olds.

Highlights

• Interactive six-stage route on sailing and offshore racing
• 150 m² space devoted to Éric Tabarly and his Pen Duick boats
• Navigation simulator, virtual race and 4D cinema
• Pôle course au large pontoons and sailing trip in the roadstead
• Cité des Moussaillons for 2- to 12-year-olds

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours « Une visite en 6 escales » – Interactive route through the boats, the preparation of a crossing, skippers' accounts and challenges (simulator, virtual race, radio-controlled sailing boats, 4D cinema).
• Espace Éric Tabarly – 150 m² area with photographs, models of the Pen Duick boats, a reproduction of the interior of Pen Duick II, testimonies and archive images.

Founded

2008

Operated by

SELLOR

Admission & discounts

Passes combining the Cité de la Voile with an additional visit offer 10% off (15% with two visits). An annual membership gives unlimited access to the Cité de la Voile for one year. Payment includes Chèques-Vacances ANCV and the Ty Kdoz gift cheque (not in the shop).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Lowered counters and induction loops at the ticket office, reception and shop; gates suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs; lift to the exhibition areas; light alarms for hard-of-hearing visitors. Walking sticks with seats, manual wheelchairs and video phones are lent on request against ID. An accessibility booklet and an easy-to-read booklet are available to download; the site holds the Tourisme & Handicap label.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Play area for 2- to 6-year-olds in the route and a 1,000 m² Cité des Moussaillons for 2- to 12-year-olds around a giant sailing ship under construction. Birthday parties for 7 to 15 children; activities during school holidays.

Getting there & parking

The site is on the former submarine base, 10 minutes from Lorient SNCF station. Via the N165, follow the direction Lorient / Larmor-Plage, then enter the base from the Keroman roundabout.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop-bookshop to the right of the entrance hall, open access (open from 10:30, closed from 13:00 to 14:00 outside the summer holidays). Several bars and restaurants nearby on Lorient La Base (La Baleine, Restaurant K5, Crêperie PC de la Base, among others).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 380 guests.

Auditorium, flexible space, meeting rooms, the exhibition route and the Pen Duick hall for seminars, cocktails and dinners for 20 to 380 people, on quotation. The spaces are equipped with Wi-Fi, among other things.

Plan your visit