Terrace of the Fortified Lock

Let’s be honest—the first impression of Saint-Nazaire’s submarine base and fortified lock isn’t exactly cheerful. These massive concrete structures look more like giant safes than scenic landmarks, weathered daily by water infiltration and time. But don’t be fooled—these two “old ladies” actually offer some of the best views in the city. From their rooftop terrace, you can see Saint-Nazaire from an entirely different perspective. So why not climb a few steps to the top and let the view do the rest? Once you’re up there, you’ll be treated to a sweeping 360° panorama that takes in the Saint-Nazaire bridge, the port district, and the vast shipyard basin. But there’s more than just scenery. On the estuary-facing side of the terrace, you’ll spot an old cannon—one of the last remnants of the Campbeltown, the British destroyer at the heart of the daring Operation Chariot during World War II. If you look toward the Joubert lock, you’ll notice a series of red and white geometric shapes stretched across the industrial landscape. These belong to “Suite of Triangles,” a monumental work by Swiss artist Felice Varini. Known for his large-scale anamorphic installations, Varini has turned cityscapes into optical illusions from Paris to Nancy. His Saint-Nazaire piece spans over two kilometers of port infrastructure—but to really see it, you’ll need to find just the right vantage point. From there, the scattered shapes align to form a single, striking image. Move a little, and it all falls apart—step back into place, and it magically reappears. It’s a clever game of perspective that turns concrete into canvas and your eye into the final brushstroke.