The submarine base of Saint-Nazaire An iconic part of the town

The former submarine base, built by the Germans in WW2, has become an integral part of our landscape. After extensive redevelopment, the base is now a unique cultural and tourism site. Explore its depths then climb to the roof to see your surroundings from a fresh perspective!

The history of the submarine base From the 20th to the 21st Century

An outstanding building, constructed during World War Two

Saint-Nazaire’s submarine base is one of five bases that the Nazis constructed along the Atlantic front during World War Two. This 301m-long strategic base was built in just 16 months in 1941-42, using nearly 500,000m3 of concrete. With a roof up to 9.6m thick, it housed the fearsome U-Boats plus hundreds of men, their offices and workshops until May 1945. The submarine base was built on the site of the original transatlantic port, from where ships used to sail towards America.

Nowadays, the submarine base is an unusual tourist site and cultural centre

Stroll through the narrow walkways, play with perspective, track the light and the water. Above all, be sure to head up to the rooftop and enjoy the incredible views over the town, the port and the estuary. Over the last twenty years, thanks to large-scale works, this submarine base has become an integral part of our landscape. Saint-Nazaire has come back to its original port, turning it into a tourist attraction and cultural centre. As a result, you can come here to visit Escal’Atlantic – a museum dedicated to legendary ocean liners – you can listen to concerts at the VIP, or even enjoy a contemporary-art exhibition in LiFE. The submarine pens are also home to the Tourist Office.

Good to know: experience the outstanding history of the submarine base with a guided tour or a sensory course in French.

Discover the submarine base

Vast. Mysterious. Unmissable. The massive submarine base, built as a defensive fortress by the German army during World War II, still dominates the harbour site today. Come along and discover this extraordinary place, steeped in history and reinvented.

Guided tours of the submarine base

Panoramic roof and viewing platform

An unusual tourist site and cultural centre

Nowadays, the submarine base is an unusual tourist site and cultural centre: the Escal’Atlantic visitor centre (showcasing legendary cruise liners), LiFE (a space for creativity and exhibitions), VIP (music venue)… The submarine pens are also home to the Tourist Office.

Escal'Atlantic

Escal’Atlantic, the Ocean Liner Experience, takes you on a transatlantic journey, as though you had embarked on an ocean liner. Explore the decks, cabins and lounges,...

Discover Escal'Atlantic

Cultural life

Saint-Nazaire’s cultural events cover the whole range from rich and diverse programmes of theatre and cinema to live gigs and contemporary art exhibitions. Prepare to be blown...

Tourist Information Centre

The Tourist Information Centre has the answer to all your questions about Saint-Nazaire and its surrounding area. Our team will be happy to help you plan your visit by...

Find out more about Saint-Nazaire’s heritage

The town of Saint-Nazaire was recently awarded the prestigious title ‘Town of Art and History’, a title highlighting the unique history and heritage of the city. If you’d like to learn more about the little-known and often-misunderstood heritage sites, here are a few suggestions.

Écomusée

Nestling between the Loire estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Nazaire has experienced exceptional development around its harbour. Through models, objects, movies and...

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Monuments and heritage sites to explore

The town of Saint-Nazaire was awarded the prestigious title ‘Town of Art and History’, a title highlighting the unique history and heritage of the city. In Saint-Nazaire,...

Through the neighbourhoods of Saint-Nazaire

Discovering Saint-Nazaire means taking time to stroll and feel the atmospheres of the different neighbourhoods in the city… From Méan-Penhoët, to La Havane, via the...