Submarine Espadon and Base Saint-Nazaire
Explore a retired submarine and WWII U-boat pen, offering a unique dive into naval history and stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Submarine Espadon and Base Saint-Nazaire
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a retired submarine and WWII U-boat pen, offering a unique dive into naval history and stunning bay views.
"The best 13€ you'll ever spend – a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds!"
🎧 Audio Guide Essential
Don't skip the audio guide; it brings the submarine's history and machinery to life!
⬆️ Don't Miss the Roof View
The view from the top of the building is spectacular and worth the extra time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inside the Espadon
Submarine Espadon
Explore the intricate, cramped interior of a retired submarine, a marvel of naval engineering.
Rooftop Panoramic Views
Top of the Submarine Base Building
Enjoy stunning vistas of the bay and Saint-Nazaire from the building's observation deck.
WWII Submarine Bunkers
Base Saint-Nazaire
Discover the historical significance of the fortified submarine base, a relic of WWII.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Audio Guide is Key
Time Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Audio Guide Essential
Don't skip the audio guide; it brings the submarine's history and machinery to life!
⬆️ Don't Miss the Roof View
The view from the top of the building is spectacular and worth the extra time.
👟 Be Prepared for Cramped Spaces
The submarine is narrow and can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
⏳ Allow an Hour Plus
An hour for the sub, plus 20-30 mins for the rooftop view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Audio Guide Essential
Don't skip the audio guide; it brings the submarine's history and machinery to life!
⬆️ Don't Miss the Roof View
The view from the top of the building is spectacular and worth the extra time.
👟 Be Prepared for Cramped Spaces
The submarine is narrow and can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
⏳ Allow an Hour Plus
An hour for the sub, plus 20-30 mins for the rooftop view.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking is available on-site for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Submarine Espadon and Base Saint-Nazaire as a highly recommended and educational experience, particularly for its unique insight into naval history and engineering. The rooftop views are a significant bonus, offering stunning panoramas. While the cramped interior is an authentic part of the experience, it's noted as a potential challenge for some.
"Really enjoyed this little visit. Only takes about an hour to see the sub, but allow yourself anither 20-30 mins to see the view from the top of the building. Fascinating inside, really seems like a crazy jumble of complex machinery, but it must have made sense to the sailors who operated it. There's an audio guide in English too, with useful info and stories triggered as you pass specific points. Quite cramped, no hope of wheelchair access I'm afraid. Good little gift shop, toilets on site, and plenty of free parking."
Karl Thomas
"Very cool experience would recommend.
Staff was nice and friendly and spoke good enough english. The prices were reasonable and the headsets were ok had a problem with it not sitting on my head right but was fine. The submarine was very accessible and had a-lot of interesting facts overall a good experience especially if you’ve never been in a
submarine. The gift shop was well priced and had some cool stuff. Theres also a view deck on the building with some cool views of the bay"
Gianluca F.
"Best 13€ you'll ever spend. This a a MUST if you're visiting Saint-Nazaire.
Really fun and educational, a big win/win."
I NC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Submarine Espadon and Base Saint-Nazaire is accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi from the city center is advisable.
Yes, there is ample free parking available on-site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While possible, it's a significant walk. It's recommended to use local transport or drive to reach the attraction efficiently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Ticket prices are considered reasonable, with one reviewer calling it the 'best 13€ you'll ever spend.' Check the official site for current pricing.
Booking in advance is generally not required, especially if you visit mid-week. However, during peak season or weekends, it might be a good idea to secure your tickets to avoid disappointment.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the submarine's interior, wheelchair access is not possible.
Yes, there are toilets available for visitors, and a gift shop offering various souvenirs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The self-guided audio tour of the submarine typically takes about an hour. Allow an additional 20-30 minutes for the rooftop views.
Yes, an audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English, and is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the submarine. +1
The rooftop offers fantastic panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding Saint-Nazaire area, a must-see part of the visit.
Yes, the interior is quite cramped, reflecting the reality of life aboard a submarine. It can be challenging for those who are claustrophobic or have mobility issues.
The base is a significant WWII U-boat pen, a testament to naval history and engineering from that era.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the submarine, but be mindful of the confined spaces and other visitors.
The rooftop offers excellent panoramic shots of the bay. Inside, capture the intricate machinery and unique atmosphere of the submarine.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage around historical sites like this should be checked with local authorities. It's generally not permitted in enclosed historical areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the submarine itself isn't wheelchair accessible, the rooftop view offers a more accessible and equally impressive experience for the whole family. The gift shop also provides souvenirs that kids might enjoy. Consider the age and temperament of your children when planning this visit.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Saint-Nazaire area, which offers other historical sites and coastal walks. The self-guided nature of the tour and the included audio guide mean you can explore at your own pace without additional costs for guided tours.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The rooftop view provides a stunning contrast, offering wide-angle shots of the bay and the city. This dual offering—intimate interior details and expansive exterior vistas—makes it a rewarding location for diverse photographic styles. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the historical integrity of the site when taking photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Espadon Submarine
Navigating the interior requires a certain level of agility. The audio guide, available in multiple languages, provides fascinating anecdotes and technical details, making the dense engineering understandable and engaging. It’s a journey back in time, highlighting the ingenuity and challenges of submarine operations during its service.
Key takeaway: Embrace the confined spaces and let the audio guide be your companion to fully appreciate the Espadon's historical significance and engineering marvels.
The Historical Significance of Base Saint-Nazaire
Visiting the base allows you to understand the strategic importance of Saint-Nazaire during the war. The sheer scale of the bunkers is impressive, offering a tangible connection to the past. While the Espadon tour focuses on the submarine itself, the surrounding base provides context for the era and the immense industrial and military efforts involved.
Consider this: The base is a powerful reminder of the historical events that shaped the region and offers a deeper appreciation for the Espadon's operational environment.
The Unmissable Rooftop View
This vantage point is perfect for photography and for appreciating the geographical significance of the base. It’s a moment of calm and reflection, allowing you to take in the beauty of the region after the intense experience inside the submarine. Many visitors find this to be a surprisingly delightful part of the visit, offering a sense of scale and beauty.
Pro-tip: Allocate an extra 20-30 minutes specifically for enjoying the rooftop views; it’s a highlight that complements the submarine tour perfectly.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit