Le Bunker de La Rochelle

About the museum

The La Rochelle Bunker was built in 1941 by the German navy in the city centre, next to the Hôtel des Étrangers. It was meant to protect the admiral and the submarine officers of the 3rd U-boat flotilla during bombing raids. It covers 280 m² and includes large dormitories, a bar, an office and individual rooms.

After the war its entrances were closed and it was forgotten, until it was rediscovered in 1982 when the hotel was demolished. Jean-Luc Labour, who worked at the tourist office, bought it to prevent its conversion and opened it in 1984 as the Musée rochelais de la dernière guerre.

In 2012, Luc and Marc Braeuer redesigned it with a team of enthusiasts, and the museum has been open to the public again since May 2013. The route presents the history of La Rochelle from 1939 to 1945.

Highlights

• Original 1941 bunker in the city centre
• Bar decorated with maritime frescoes
• 30 minutes of archive videos
• Reconstructed scenes and 20 panels
• Free treasure hunt for children aged 6 to 10

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours du Bunker 1939-1945 – 280 m² route with 20 panels, reconstructed scenes and 30 minutes of archive videos on La Rochelle during the war.

Founded

1984

Operated by

Musée privé (Le Bunker de La Rochelle)

Admission & discounts

Private museum: no free admission on the first Sunday of the month. Veterans pay €7 on proof. Payment in cash, by bank card, by cheque and with ANCV holiday vouchers. Partners listed: La Rochelle Océan Pass, Passtime, Passeport Privilèges, Inter-îles, Guide du routard and Cezam.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The bunker is not wheelchair-accessible: a staircase of 8 steps leads to the entrance of the visit, some passages are about 50 cm wide, and the doors have thresholds of 5 to 10 cm. The reception is at ground level. A reserved space is available in the Carré Amelot car park; chairs are available during the visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free treasure hunt for children aged 6 to 10, plus an investigation for older visitors.

Getting there & parking

Near the central market. The SNCF station is a 15-minute walk away.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

No cloakroom and no toilets at the museum; paid public toilets (€0.50) are on the place du marché central. Luggage storage options are signposted nearby.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit