Brest

In summer, start the day with an invigorating swim! Brest's harbour, which faces out to the Atlantic, has plenty of secret beaches, like those at Moulin Blanc. It's also the perfect place to try your hand at water sports: windsurfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, kite-surfing... There's a whole host of activities to enjoy with family and friends during your stay in Brittany!

To really explore the beauty of the harbour, there's nothing like a boat trip, following in the footsteps of Bougainville and other great sailors who set sail from Brest. Head for the Port de Commerce, where you'll embark for a pleasant cruise through the harbour. Further afield, the islands of Molène and Ouessant await you for timeless, exotic excursions. Book a plane ticket to Brest and enjoy the thrill of sailing.

If you haven't got your sea legs, you can opt for the Albert-Louppe bridge, reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. It will take you over the harbour at a height of more than 30 metres. To the west, wander down to Pointe du Diable (Devil’s Point) for an unbeatable view of the famous Goulet de Brest, a mandatory passage for all boats!

In the city centre, history can be seen around every corner. From the work of Vauban to the destruction of the Second World War, the town's architecture is rooted in history. 

Start by visiting Brest Castle, the city's oldest monument. Now 17 centuries old, it is home to the National Maritime Museum, where the entire military history of the city of Brest is on display - and don't miss Tanguy Tower.

This uninterrupted military and port development has produced a world-renowned centre of maritime excellence. As well as being the European capital of marine science and technology, Brest is also Brittany's leading yachting port. The city's maritime influence is reflected in its vibrant cultural scene, which is especially popular with students. 

So, ready to board?

Sites and monuments

• The Castle Marina.
• Moulin Blanc Port.
• La Place de la Liberté.
• The Recouvrance district, the Maison de la Fontaine and the Rue de Saint Malo.
• Sadi-Carnot shelter, dug out during World War II.
• Tanguy Tower.
• The Cours Dajot.

Museums

• Océanopolis, the Ocean Discovery Park.
• The Museum of Fine Arts.
• The Strawberry Heritage Museum.
• Passerelle Contemporary Art Centre.
• The Cinémathèque de Bretagne.

Parks within the city of Brest

• The National Botanical Conservatory (the second largest in Europe).
• The Explorers’ Garden.
• The Naval Academy Garden.
• Kerbonne Garden.
• Eole Park.

Pays d’Iroise

• Les merveilles de la côte du Conquet à Ploudalmézeau.
• Le Fort de Bertheaume à Plougonvelin, accessible via une passerelle au-dessus des flots.

Pays des Abers

• Brignogan beaches.
• Aber Wrac'h.

Pays des Rives d'Armorique

• Landerneau and its 500 year old inhabited bridge.
• Tinduff port and Auberlach port in Plougastel-Daoulas.
• Daoulas Abbey.

Crozon peninsula

• The idyllic villages of Crozon and Camaret and the marked trails of the peninsula.
• The Pointe du Raz, further south.

Unusual experiences in Brest

• Climb to the top of the Île Vierge lighthouse in Plouguerneau: At 82.5 metres high, this is the tallest lighthouse in Europe. Located on a small island off the mainland, the 365 steps lead you to an incredible view from
• Set sail with the Patrons of Guilvinec fishermen: Go out with a crew for a day of coastal fishing and enjoy this unique experience! Just 1h20 from Brest, from the 1st of April to 30th of September. Contact the Brittany Tourist Office for more information.

Seafood

• Bay of Saint-Brieuc scallops, Guilvinec langoustines, oysters, abalone from the Iroise sea, lobsters, crabs and sea spiders, winkles...

Pork products

• Andouille de Guémené (type of sausage).
• Molène sausages.
• Hénaff pâté.

Traditional dishes

• Crêpes (sweet or savory) 
• Kig ha Farz: a kind of Breton stew.

Desserts

• Kouign amann, Far Breton, Breton cake and biscuits.
• Plougastel strawberries.

Drinks*

• Cider.
• Chouchen.
• Lambig: cider brandy.

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation