Lorient (France): A submarine base redeveloped as a sailing cluster

The international draw of many port cities can be measured in terms of the increase in cruise business and water-based tourist activities. The economic and cultural impact of these activities is significant and generates added value for cities and ports alike. Besides boating, there is an opportunity to structure an entire sector around sailing, which would create direct job opportunities in the port area with positive repercussions for small businesses operating in the sailing industry and those in the hotel, catering and retail trades, both locally and regionally. This was the model adopted by Lorient, which combined a heritage site with a new sailing cluster, improving the connection between the port and the city.