FC Lorient Celebrates Club Centenary with Nautical Parade
FC Lorient marked its 100th anniversary on Thursday with a large nautical parade in the waters off the Breton port city. The celebration saw a flotilla of boats of all sizes sail through the Lorient roadstead under clear skies, creating a striking visual spectacle for the historic occasion. Supporters' groups later set off smoke bombs in the club's colours at the Keroman point to welcome the parade, amplifying the festive atmosphere.
The club, founded in 1926 and nicknamed Les Merlus (The Hakes), is celebrating a century of existence during a positive period on the pitch. The current team's attractive style and strong campaign in Ligue 1 have bolstered local pride and connection to the club. This sense of belonging was visibly on display during the day's events, which blended the club's deep-rooted community identity with its modern sporting project.
In its 100-year history, FC Lorient has won the Coupe de France once, in 2002, a victory famously celebrated by prankster Rémi Gaillard, who is scheduled to attend a legends match next week. The club has also been crowned Ligue 2 champion twice, in 2020 and most recently in 2025, securing its immediate return to the top flight after relegation. A third-division title from 1995 completes the club's major honours.
The centenary comes at a time of relative stability for the club, which has established itself as a recurring presence in Ligue 1 over the past two decades, punctuated by brief spells in the second tier. The anniversary celebrations are expected to continue throughout the year, with further events planned to honour the club's legacy and its place in the community. The successful staging of the parade underscores the unique maritime identity of a club intrinsically linked to its coastal city.
