Nestled comfortably on the westernmost edge of Brittany, France lies Brest - a beautiful port city steeped in maritime heritage. Brest’s rich history dates back to mediaeval times, when it gained a reputation as a strategic seaport town.
Harbouring a legacy of rebirth after the ravages of World War II, Brest is now a unique tapestry where modern edifices blend seamlessly with ancient ramparts. There is no shortage of things to do in this picturesque city.
Whether it's delving into its rich naval history, exploring marine biodiversity, or enjoying the panoramic views along its quaint waterfront, Brest offers you a multitude of experiences waiting to be discovered. So, without further ado, let’s discover all there is to do in this city with our three-day Brest itinerary.
Begin your three-day itinerary in Brest by visiting its oldest surviving landmark, Château de Brest or Brest Castle. It perches high on the banks of the Penfeld River and is classified as a monument historique.
Step back in time as you journey through Roman France and on to mediaeval times as you discover the history of this ancient city. Brest Castle also offers unparalleled panoramic views over the city and toward the Atlantic. Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
Chateau de Brest is home to the Musée national de la Marine. Brest’s National Navy Museum's impressive collection charts centuries of history surrounding the port city’s arsenal and its seafaring fleets.
Its model ships and naval installations date back to 1748. Other artefacts such as the Neptune sculpture by Yves Collet and Stern decoration of the Galley La Reale are just some of the treasures housed in the Musée National de la Marine for you to marvel at. As with the castle, the museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
It’s a short walk along Rue de Chateau to the Brest Museum of Fine Arts. This post-war museum is home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts. You will notice that almost all works displayed share the same maritime theme.
Take your time in exploring the museum and be mesmerised by the artistic genius of masters such as Canaletto, Ivan Aivazovsky, Maurice Denis, and others. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm for lunch).
After exploring the museum, take a leisurely stroll across the scenic Penfeld River using the Pont de Recouvrance bridge. The towering vertical-lift bridge connects you to the Quartier de Recouvrance, Brest’s historically Breton quarter with lots to explore.
If you are looking for a tranquil corner to escape to, visit Le Jardin des Explorateurs on the other side of the river and across the Pont de Recouvrance.
The Explorers' Garden is a botanical garden that houses plants from all over the world brought back by explorers and botanists from Brest. Enjoy your walk amidst the lush greenery, admire the sculptures dedicated to explorers, and take in the serene maritime landscape.
You may have spotted Tour Tanguy from Brest Castle, as it stands on the opposite shore. While the precise origins of this mediaeval tower are unknown, historians trace it to the Breton War of Succession.
Today, it is home to the Museum of Old Brest. Begin with the ground floor, where you can view old city plans, photographs, postcards and a coat of arms collection. Next, head to the first and second floors to see the museum’s celebrated collection of dioramas by renowned painter Jim Sevellec. The third floor sometimes holds exhibitions, so be sure to check the website before your visit to see what’s going on. Open daily from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Continue along Rue de l’Eglise to Maison de la Fontaine, one of the vestiges of old Brest. It survived against incredible odds after being bombarded multiple times during WWII. This captivating mediaeval building has since been converted into a cultural venue.
It often organises exhibitions, events, and meetings with artists. Its 17th-century aesthetic sets it apart from other buildings and adds to Brest’s historic allure. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Visiting the Sainte-Thérèse-du-Landais church will take you to the Landais district, located west of Recouvrance. This church, dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, is a modern-style structure erected during the reconstruction of Brest. It was constructed to provide the Landais district with a religious building.
On the second day of your 3-day Brest itinerary, pay a visit to Rue de Siam, one of the main arteries of the city. This long avenue stretches southwest towards the Recouvrance Bridge, crossing the Penfeld River.
Here you can find a lot of shops and restaurants, making it one of the most vibrant areas of the city. If you’re after some souvenirs to take home or a shopping spree, Rue de Siam is where you ought to be. Visit the famous Siam Street Lakes and jump on the tram to go about the avenue if your legs are getting a little sore.
At the northeast end of Rue de Siam you’ll see the Monument aux Morts memorial; a large grey-stone column dedicated to those who perished during wars from the Franco-Prussian War of the late 1800s to the First and Second World Wars, and later conflicts in Southeast Asia and North Africa.
Grab some coffee and a Kouign-Amann from an eatery and head toward the Kiosque à Musique. This rather odd-looking structure is located on Place Wilson. Before taking its currency concrete shape, it was a bandstand where multiple open-air music auditions took place.
Musicians from different regiments would perform military music. These performances were quite popular in Brest and gathered large audiences. The location is ideal for taking a breather during your stroll around the city.
The mystical ancient door of the Herminier is the ideal ending to your morning in Brest. This gateway into the past is located in the heart of the city, on a square of the same name. While it may look like a teleport device, it is actually the remains of the door of the former Jesuit seminary built in 1686. This makes it one of the oldest surviving partial structures in Brest.
There are plenty of cultural events in Brest that you can attend in the afternoons. The Le Quartz is a performing arts theatre in the city that often hosts plays, live performances, and concerts. You can reach Le Quartz by bus lines 1, 2, 3 and 5. Get off the bus at the “Liberte Quartz” station. Brest’s tram line A will also get you there.
Across the street from Le Quarts is Brest’s popular Kennedy Garden. This is a great spot to rest in the afternoon. There are cafes and restaurants all around it, as well as a children's playground. A recently added skatepark has made the garden a hit with both locals and tourists. There are public toilets available in this area.
Leave Kennedy Garden to visit the Alphonse Juin Square, named after the leading Free French commander in WWII. The area is known for its beautiful pathways and biodiversity. Locals commonly refer to it as one of the city’s green lungs. There are parking spaces available in the vicinity.
Both of these locations are near the Alphonse Juin square and are stark reminders of Brest’s rich history. When passing by the Beautemps-Beaupre square, visit the monument that was erected in memory of the victims of deportation. These areas have an alluring aura in the afternoon and should not be missed.
The Dajot Road is ideal for afternoon walks when you just want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. It takes you through the heart of Brest, adorned with greenery and tints of history here and there. Walk this path until you reach the famous symmetrical Dajot staircase. It descends from Our Dajot toward Port de Commerce and the city’s Chain Park.
Midway along Cours Dajot you’ll find the Monument Américain aux Morts. Otherwise known as the US Naval Monument or Pink Tower thanks to its rose-coloured hue, this 30-metre tall tower was erected in the 1930s to commemorate the US Navy’s first arrival in Europe during WWI. The tower was destroyed by the Germans during WWII, however it was rebuilt in 1958 as an exact replica of the original monument.
Start your third day in Brest with a visit to one of the more curious monuments in Brest. This one is dedicated to the victims of asbestos. The use of the material was prevalent in naval and shipbuilding history, and it claimed the lives of many. The monument is a bleak yet beautiful reminder of occupational hazards and France’s efforts toward solving them.
La Consulaire or the Consular is a historical landmark in Brest that certainly merits a visit. It is also known as the Baba Merzough, which translates to Lucky Father in Arabic. You might first think of it as a column. However, it is actually a 7-metre-long cannon that was brought to France in 1830 as a war trophy after the Algiers expedition. Weighing at 17 tons, it is a monument to military history in Brest.
The Telepherique or Brest cable car is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It connects the two banks of the Penfeld river and the districts of Siam and Capuchins. There are two cabins, each transporting up to 60 people. It has a total capacity of 1,200 passengers per hour. While it is a rather short ride, you will be treated with a panoramic view of the river, Pont de Recouvrance and Brest Harbour. It costs 1,6 € a trip or 2 € two trips.
Take the Telepherique to reach the lively Les Ateliers des Capucins. This is the largest covered public square in Europe. It is an immense industrial cathedral that offers a formidable belvedere over Brest Harbour. It is full of events, exhibitions, shops, eateries, a cinema, and recreational activities. There will certainly be no shortage of activities here, or just sit and sip a coffee as you watch the world go by.
After exploring the Les Ateliers des Capucins, start your afternoon by visiting Batiment aux lions. The “Lions Building” is a structure located under the northern part of Rue de Pontaniou. The building takes its name from the ten lion heads that act as gargoyles on the arsenal side facade. It was built from 1807 to 1809, and had military significance.
Continuing on with the military theme, head to the former Pontaniou maritime prison building. The prison was used from 1670 when Brest became the largest naval base in Ponant. It was designed and gained a reputation as a building with exemplary detention conditions for its time. It was shut down in 1990 due to deteriorating conditions. The imposing structure is one of Brest’s most well-known landmarks.
Spend an unforgettable afternoon in Brest by taking a stroll along Rue Saint-Malo, the oldest street in the city. Adorned with 17th and 18th-century houses, it is overlooked by terraced gardens and takes you through the levée de Pontaniou before ending at the Madeleine staircase.
From Rue St Malo, walk toward the Lavoir de Pontaniou. This is an old historic washhouse that has been renovated as an exhibition centre. It reflects Brest’s past, prior to modern household conveniences. This is where you will likely meet friendly Brest residents who are passionate about the city’s history. Make sure you visit Un cabinet de curiosités, an exhibition that played an important role in preserving Lavoir de Pontaniou.
Brest offers a variety of family-friendly activities with its rich maritime history and vibrant culture. Here are some top things to do with kids in Brest, aside from taking a stroll in the city’s many parks:
Brest’s culinary experiences reach far beyond traditional restaurants and bars. Here’s how you can partake in the port city’s culinary landscape.
If you are planning on golfing in Brest, there are three golfing courses that come highly recommended. You can try Le Golf de Pen Ar Bed, Golf de Brest Les Abres, or Golf de Brest Iroise. The latter has a woodland course. All three are 18-hole courses and you can hire equipment on site.
You are really spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Brest. From charming boutique hotels with harbour views to cosy B&Bs, Brest offers a whole spectrum of options that cater to different tastes and budgets.
Brest has a maritime oceanic climate meaning the city can get a fair bit of rain. Summers in Brest are warm and the winters are mild. Keeping this in mind, the best time to visit Brest would be in the warmer months from May to September, though expect more crowds during the school holidays.
Spring and autumn are wonderful times to visit Brest as there are fewer people and accommodation prices are cheaper than in peak season.
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