Summary
For centuries, Brest served as a significant naval base for France, boasting an immense natural harbor that is exceptionally suited for maritime activities as if it had been designed by experts.
Regrettably, few remnants from before the Second World War exist in the city, apart from some military fortifications, including the Château and Arsenal.
However, what captivates visitors in Brest is the prevailing spirit of exploration and discovery present in one of the leading cities globally for oceanic research.
Historically, Brest has oriented its ambition towards the Atlantic, evident along the port quays, through the remarkable Océanopolis aquarium, or within the galleries of the Naval Museum nestled in the castle.
Let us examine the premier attractions in Brest:
1. Océanopolis
Brest is recognized for its deep connection to the Atlantic Ocean: approximately 60% of Europe’s ocean research is undertaken from this harbor.
Consequently, Océanopolis stands as the flagship attraction Brest merits: an extraordinary cultural and scientific center focused on oceans, featuring over 50 aquarium tanks, with the largest being the shark tank, containing a million liters of water.
Since a refurbishment in 2000, exhibitions are organized within three pavilions—Polar, Temperate, and Tropical—showcasing 10,000 plant varieties and more than a thousand animal species, from harbor seals (which receive care at the facility) to bull sharks, stingrays, and loggerhead turtles.
2. Port of Brest
Given that Brest functions as a military port, there are restrictions on visibility; nonetheless, the commercial harbor showcases the advantageous aspects of this location for maritime operations.
A stroll along Quai Commandant Malbert allows for a view of the shipyards and a closer inspection of the expansive natural harbor of Rade de Brest, along with a system of colored buoys enhancing navigation safety.
The notable French Navy tugboat, Abeille-Flandre, is stationed at Quai Commandant Malbert, ready to guide vessels into the bay in a mere 20 minutes.
3. Conservatoire Botanique du Vallon du Stang-Alar
The primary objective of this conservatory is to cultivate rare and endangered plant species for reintroduction, making its grounds a paradise for botanists.
Visiting in July and August is recommended, as the two impressive greenhouses are accessible to the public.
These greenhouses replicate diverse climates, including rainforest, tropical mountain, and subtropical oceanic environments, housing unique species seldom found elsewhere.
Examples of these include the critically endangered Madagascan aloe suzannae and nesocodon, a flowering plant endemic to Mauritius.
The remaining 22 hectares is a meticulously landscaped valley, complete with a stream, waterfall, ponds, and ample space for quiet contemplation.
4. Pont de l’Iroise
Finished in 1994, this impressive cable-stayed bridge crosses the Élorn River, connecting Pointe Sainte Barbe and Le Cap.
Among similar bridges, it boasts the fourth-largest main span in France and previously set a world record for the 400-meter distance between its dual 113-meter-high pylons.
This engineering feat is certainly worthy of a few photographs, particularly during sunset, with the adjacent Plougastel Bridge—constructed in the late 1920s—now reserved for pedestrians and agricultural vehicles.
5. Musée National de la Marine
Brest’s Naval Museum is housed within the Château de Brest, the oldest edifice in the city.
A fortification has existed here since the Roman camp of Osismis in the 3rd century, later serving as a stronghold for the Dukes of Brittany against British sieges in the 14th and 15th centuries.
The Naval Museum maximizes its evocative setting with displays of historical wooden figureheads from warships, vintage model ships, and artwork that illustrates the harbor’s development during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Visitors can also explore the command panels from a World War II destroyer and view a preserved Seehund midget submarine.
6. Tour Tanguy
Perched upon a hill on the right bank of the Penfeld, directly across from the Château de Brest, stands a medieval watchtower, likely erected in the mid-14th century amid the Breton War of Succession.
This location provides access to the Museum of Old Brest, showcasing a compelling collection of artifacts, including the coats of arms associated with various medieval guilds and centuries-old maps of the city.
Each level of the museum offers a chronological journey, utilizing dioramas and models to recreate the appearance and atmosphere of Brest prior to the destruction inflicted during the Second World War.
7. Port de Recouvrance
Adjacent to this tower lies the former highest vertical lift bridge worldwide until it was replaced by the Pont Gustave Flaubert on the Seine in 2008. This bridge held the record for over 50 years since 1954, featuring four imposing reinforced concrete pylons standing 70 meters high and extending 88 meters in length.
Such dimensions were necessitated by the naval traffic in the Penfeld, which required a clearance exceeding 45 meters.
The Pont de Recouvrance took the place of a previous swing bridge that was destroyed during Allied bombings in 1944.
8. Musée des Beaux-Arts
The primary art museum of Brest faced the significant challenge of reconstructing its entire collection following its destruction during the war.
Since 1945, it has curated approximately 250 sculptures and paintings spanning the 17th to the 19th centuries, emphasizing classic works to reflect its earlier collection.
Particular attention should be paid to the works of post-impressionist Pierre Bonnard, along with an impressive variety of earlier Italian Renaissance and Baroque pieces by artists such as Carlo Saraceni, Palma il Giovane, and Carlo Dolci.
9. Cours Dajot
For a spectacular view of the harbor and the Château de Brest, take a leisurely stroll along this 500-meter esplanade located high above the commercial port.
Cours Dajot is named in honor of Louis-Lazare Dajot, the military engineer responsible for its design.
This scenic avenue, lined with elm trees, box hedges, and lush lawns, was established in 1769 using labor from the port’s penal colony.
During July 2020, those at Cours Dajot enjoy an exceptional perspective of the Fêtes Maritimes de Brest, featuring hundreds of sailboats navigating the Rade de Brest.
It is noteworthy that this festival occurs only once every four years! Additionally, visitors can admire the Tour Rose, constructed by Americans in gratitude for Brest’s hospitality during their arrival for World War I in 1917.
10. Boat Trips
A visit to Brest would be incomplete without embarking on a boat for a coastal journey, even if it is merely a brief excursion around the Rade de Brest.
The natural harbor spans 180 square kilometers, with the Atlantic Ocean accessible through the Goulet de Brest, a 1.8-kilometer channel.
Additionally, ferries are available to the Ponant Islands, namely Molène and Ushant, which continue to have thriving communities.
Ushant is notably larger with over 900 residents, and its geographical isolation has allowed the unique Oessant breed of sheep to thrive, alongside being one of the last habitats for the European dark bee, which has largely been supplanted by the Italian honey bee on the French mainland.
11. Beaches
One of the many favorable aspects of the Rade de Brest is the relatively tranquil waters, resulting in an unexpectedly pleasant array of beaches suitable for bathing, particularly along the Atlantic coast.
A picturesque spot is located a few kilometers west of Brest at Pointe du Petit Minou.
This area features a recess in the rocks, creating a small sandy cove that captivates surfers with its rolling waves.
Additionally, proximity to the Pointe du Petit Minou lighthouse marks the entrance to the harbor.
Closer to Brest lies the family-friendly Plage du Moulin Blanc, popular among surfers who enjoy a designated area to the southeast, all set within a sweeping curve of fine white sand.
12. Walks
Along the trails surrounding Brest, hikers may encounter lighthouses, granite cliffs, medieval fortifications, World War II bunkers, and hidden beaches, all within just a few kilometers of the city.
The Brest Métropole Océane encompasses a cluster of eight communes with over 800 hectares of green space, providing ample options for those wishing to stretch their legs and breathe in the ocean air.
For instance, the Vallée du Costour, once the site of a World War I munitions factory, now features serene farms and woodlands inhabited by deer and herons.
For a beachfront perspective, the Pointe du Diable offers a prominent lookout over the Goulet, where every vessel entering or leaving the Rade can be observed.
13. Fort de Bertheaume
Since at least the 1300s, the northern side of the Goulet straits of Brest has been protected by this formidable fortress situated on a small tidal island.
Historically, accessing the cliffs beneath the defenses was nearly impossible, but a footbridge now connects the island to the main land.
Visitors can explore the ancient walls and capture photographs of this extraordinary location.
If you are accompanied by teenagers or possess a sense of adventure, an outdoor park operates during the summer, featuring a via ferrata, assorted rope bridges, and even a zip-line extending from the cliff tops of the fortress.
14. Abbaye de Daoulas
Crossing the Pont de l’Iroise leads to a short 15-minute drive to the 12th-century Daoulas Abbey, which remains partially in ruins.
This does not diminish its charm; the cloister features a remarkable 12th-century font, adorned with visible carved faces.
The surrounding gardens are equally exquisite, showcasing all the medieval medicinal plants traditionally cultivated in Brittany, alongside other medicinal varieties from around the globe, as well as plants used for dyes and those known for their toxicity.
15. Local Specialities
When discussing cuisine, Brittany remains most well-known for its crêpes, which can be found abundantly in Brest, mirroring offerings in any Breton city.
Consider ordering a crêpe filled with strawberries and Chantilly cream, as Plougastel, situated just a brief distance from Brest, cultivates the finest strawberries in France.
The gariguette de Plougastel, a New World variety, was discovered flourishing in the mild climate of Finistère during the 18th century.
Beyond crêpes, the region is renowned for its kig ha farz, a savory pudding made with meat broth and buckwheat, Molène sausage (cured with seaweed), and a luxury lobster dish featuring crème fraîche and white wine.
