le bunker de la rochelle

808hermann

This location deals with the WW2 naval history. Submarines were lauched and maintained at that place. The boat sightseeing tour is a must.

jennic967

Visited La Rochelle for the day as we were staying la palmyre, we knew about the bunker museum from the Internet so we headed to the tourist info office, where the man gave us a map and pointed us in the right direction. (It was easy to find). The bunker had lots of memorable things from the war time, weapons, uniform, pictures and lots more. Admission was reasonable and the young chap on reception was helpful and friendly. The museum is a must for people to remember what the Germans did, and how so many suffered.

Sanglier1

La Rochelle's a great place to explore - lots of interesting independent shops as well as larger department stores, markets and restaurants. Le Bunker is tucked away in a fairly non-descript side street in the centre of town but once down the stairs you're transported back in time to occupied France. It's very atmospheric and many of the walls are covered with original undersea murals - painted by two German women to brighten up the dank airless rooms. There's lots to see, including a recreation of the Officers' Mess, complete with cat! If you can spot him - perching on the shoulder of an Oberleutnant - have a look at his collar, which has a U-boat medal dangling down. The cat was the mascot of the bunker, and there's a large wartime photo of him on the wall in the same pose.With plenty of memorabilia, interesting accompanying stories and a very immersive feel, it adds up to a great visitor attraction.

auntieshaz21

As we wandered around this interesting historical place our thoughts went out to the poor French who had to live a life of hell under the German occupation. While the invaders took their food, clothing, hotels and even homes leaving the locals with nothing. They soled their shoes with the odd bit of wood they could find while the Germans enjoyed life to the full. The paintings by the two female artists are still there, as is the bar. Don't worry if you don't speak or read French it is also in English. A very interesting visit and worth the 7.50e entry fee.

271garp

Visiting this fascinating private museum is like tripping back in time when, during World War 2, the Germans built a large submarine base near La Rochelle. The Bunker was a safe retreat for German sub-mariner officers housed in a hotel above it. You can even visit the unchanged bar where they let their hair down. The museum highlights various aspects of life in La Rochelle during the war, including the construction of the base and the bunker, the Vichy government, the Resistance movement, life under Nazi occupation, Allied attacks, and the Armistice.Comprehensive notes in English are available for your perusal.

Dreamteam09

We were so glad we took the time to find this attraction, very well presented and very interesting. Not far from an excellent market as well with plenty of tempting fresh produce available.

Rosemary797

My Husband enjoyed this more than me..................but glad we went. It was smaller than expected but then again it is a bunker below a Hotel, finding it was quite easy with a street map and well worth a visit. We went when most people were having lunch so were the only ones there at the time, which was good as quite claustrophobic but then again that adds to the atmosphere and you can understand more how it must have felt to live there during the war.

cordyroy

We found the Bunker to be interesting even to someone with only a passing interest in WWII. It's small and somewhat claustrophobic. Best part for us were the murals on the walls and ceilings. They are the work of 2 young, German ladies who apparently made a living doing this in several German Naval bases during and after the war. There is a good English handout that as others have said needs a little editing. Maybe a little expensive too.

awardnominee

This is a very interesting place to visit. Really liked the way it has been preserved in its original condition. Although not all displays are in English you get given a translation to take around with you as you move through each room.

884colinf

Difficult to find in town and when you do arrive hard to follow the direction of unguided tour. English translation available but not easy to understand - very entertaining. A fascinating place and new as an attraction so perhaps time for better presentation.

Mechanicalman64

We liked this a lot. It is in original condition from the 2nd world war & has some really good exhibits. Well worth a visit.

grainnemhaol

Was very struck by the surreal juxtapositions in this small, well-organised new museum. Am still thinking about what we saw there. The exhibits are accessible but not gimmicky and the reality of the site means a lot.

ISJW101993

If you live anything to do with WWII then this is a great place to visit, a very detailed guide book in English and English translations at key places through the bunker, fascinating place and lots of history, we'll worth a visit!

adetanner

Everything seemed to be as it would have been back during the occupation, well worth a visit. There were various photos of the streets outside which hadn't seemed to change in all this time. It was brought to life by the various manikins dressed in the uniform of the day in actual rooms

BrianC407

Thought this loooked like a night club when we passed the previous night of our visit, the cat logo of the German submariners stationed here is very stylish. Very informative of the events during WWII and would be of interest to any history buff or those concerned with avoiding a repeat of such events.