Le Bunker de La Rochelle (Bunker of La Rochelle), La Rochelle
The Bunker of La Rochelle, hidden beneath the city's streets, is a unique remnant of World War II. Built in absolute secrecy in 1941 by the German army, this 280-square-meter underground structure was designed to protect U-boat commanders from bombings. Located in the heart of La Rochelle, the bunker remained untouched since the war and was opened to the public in 2013. Today, visitors can explore its maze of rooms and experience a fascinating journey through the history of La Rochelle from 1939 to its liberation on May 8, 1945. The bunker is decorated with marine-themed frescoes and features original objects, photographs, documents, and videos that vividly recount the city's wartime experiences.
The site also holds a rich historical connection with the Hotel of the Foreigners, which was requisitioned by the German army in 1940. By June 1941, the hotel was reserved for the Kriegsmarine to house submarine commanders and officers. As the need for space grew, two nearby buildings were demolished to make room for the construction of the bunker, which included reinforced concrete walls two meters thick. Designed to withstand bombings, it contained barracks for 62 officers, six private rooms for admirals, a large bar, an office, technical rooms, and toilets. A new building was constructed atop the bunker, becoming part of the hotel, with the only access points through its corridors.
After the war, the hotel was eventually sold, and the bunker was nearly converted into cellars for residential use. However, Jean-Luc Labour of the La Rochelle Tourist Office recognized its historical significance and acquired it, transforming it into the La Rochelle Museum of the Last War in 1984. The museum operated seasonally for a decade, offering a glimpse into the city's wartime history. Following a period of limited public access, the site was redeveloped by Luc and Marc Braeuer, who reopened it to visitors in 2013. Today, the Bunker of La Rochelle serves as a poignant museum, preserving the stories of wartime resilience and offering an authentic glimpse into a hidden chapter of history.
The site also holds a rich historical connection with the Hotel of the Foreigners, which was requisitioned by the German army in 1940. By June 1941, the hotel was reserved for the Kriegsmarine to house submarine commanders and officers. As the need for space grew, two nearby buildings were demolished to make room for the construction of the bunker, which included reinforced concrete walls two meters thick. Designed to withstand bombings, it contained barracks for 62 officers, six private rooms for admirals, a large bar, an office, technical rooms, and toilets. A new building was constructed atop the bunker, becoming part of the hotel, with the only access points through its corridors.
After the war, the hotel was eventually sold, and the bunker was nearly converted into cellars for residential use. However, Jean-Luc Labour of the La Rochelle Tourist Office recognized its historical significance and acquired it, transforming it into the La Rochelle Museum of the Last War in 1984. The museum operated seasonally for a decade, offering a glimpse into the city's wartime history. Following a period of limited public access, the site was redeveloped by Luc and Marc Braeuer, who reopened it to visitors in 2013. Today, the Bunker of La Rochelle serves as a poignant museum, preserving the stories of wartime resilience and offering an authentic glimpse into a hidden chapter of history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in La Rochelle. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Le Bunker de La Rochelle (Bunker of La Rochelle) on Map
Sight Name: Le Bunker de La Rochelle (Bunker of La Rochelle)
Sight Location: La Rochelle, France (See walking tours in La Rochelle)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: La Rochelle, France (See walking tours in La Rochelle)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in La Rochelle, France
Create Your Own Walk in La Rochelle
Creating your own self-guided walk in La Rochelle is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Rochelle Introduction Walking Tour
La Rochelle, tucked along France鈥檚 Atlantic coast, has always marched to the beat of its own drum. What began as a quiet fishing village quickly transformed into a thriving medieval port by the 12th century, trading wine, salt, and fish with anyone who鈥檇 sail close enough. With a sheltered harbor and a strong streak of independence, the city grew rich鈥攁nd just a bit unruly. French kings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles