Lorient - Flore Submarine Museum
An old submarine that you can visit
The Flore (S645) is a French submarine, more specifically, a Daphné-class submarine that can be visited as part of a museum in Lorient.
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Here are some key points about the Flore submarine and its connection to Lorient:
Daphné-class Submarines: The Flore belongs to the Daphné class, a series of diesel-electric patrol submarines that were constructed for the French Navy in the 1960s and 1970s. These submarines were designed for anti-submarine warfare and were notable for their silent operation.
Flore submarine Operational History: Launched in 1961 and commissioned in 1964, Flore was operational in the French Navy for about 20 years, serving until the mid-1980s.
Lorient: Lorient is a city in the Brittany region of France and has been historically significant for its naval base and shipbuilding facilities. During its operational life, Flore was stationed at the Lorient naval base for a significant period.
Museum Ship: After being decommissioned, the Flore was saved from scrapping and turned into a museum ship. Today, it is part of the Keroman Submarine Base in Lorient, which has been transformed into a museum site dedicated to submarines and naval warfare. Visitors can explore the inside of the submarine and get a first-hand look at the life and conditions submariners endured during their deployments.
Visitors begin their journey by exploring a captivating museum that delves into the intricacies of submarine warfare. Here, they can view a range of equipment and weapons used in this underwater combat.
Museum part Next, you'll proceed to the outdoor section where the submarine awaits. As you step inside and traverse from bow to stern, you'll witness the submarine in its authentic state. It's truly intriguing to see how the crew once lived and worked in such confined spaces.
Inside the Flore submarine Keroman Submarine Base: This base in Lorient has a significant history. Built during World War II by the Germans as part of their Atlantic Wall fortifications, it was one of the largest and most fortified U-boat bases during the war. The Flore museum and its surroundings give a comprehensive overview of submarine warfare, spanning both the German U-boat era and the Cold War period.
If you have an opportunity to visit Lorient, the Flore submarine and the surrounding museum facilities provide a fascinating look into the world of submarines and the history of naval warfare.
This final photograph illustrates the incredible resourcefulness and space optimization aboard a diesel submarine. Every single centimeter has a purpose:
Behold, a bunk bed designed for a one-legged sailor! Positioned at the foremost part of the submarine where the vessel curves, the space accommodates just a sailor with one leg!