Lorient is a French soccer club based in the city of Lorient, Brittany. The club was founded in 1926 and has since established itself as a prominent team in French football. Lorient has had a relatively successful history, with its most notable accomplishment being its promotion to Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, in 1998. The club has also had several appearances in European competitions, including the UEFA Cup. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir, which has a seating capacity of around 18,500 spectators. The club is commonly referred to as "Les Merlus," which translates to "The Hakes," a nickname derived from the traditional fishing industry in the region.