Le Bunker de La Rochelle

Museum in La Rochelle

CC BY-SA 3.0 / BunkerLaRochelle

Le Bunker de La Rochelle is a unique museum located in the heart of the city at 8 rue des Dames. Built in 1941 in total secrecy by the German Organisation Todt, it served as a bomb-proof shelter for the commanders of the U-boat base at La Pallice during World War II. Covering 280 square meters, the bunker is made of reinforced concrete walls two meters thick and has survived intact since the end of the war in 1945.

Inside, visitors can explore a series of reconstructed rooms that portray the daily life of German officers during the occupation. Among the most striking spaces is the original bunker bar, still decorated with maritime-themed frescoes painted by two German artists, Annie Chèrié and Ruth Monsheimer. The museum also features themed exhibitions, period photographs, archival documents, and immersive videos that recount La Rochelle’s wartime history from 1939 to 1945.

The visit is self-guided and takes about one hour. Information panels are provided in multiple languages, including English and French, making the experience accessible to a broad audience. The museum is open daily without the need for reservations. Admission is €9.50 for adults and €7 for children aged 5 to 12, with discounts for students, veterans, and visitors with disabilities.

Le Bunker offers a powerful and often overlooked perspective on the German occupation of La Rochelle. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the impact of World War II on this Atlantic port city.

The Le Bunker de La Rochelle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Rochelle!

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