Top 10 Things to do in Brest

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Top 10 Things to do in Brest

Brest is a port city in Brittany, in northwestern France divided by the Penfeld river.

It is famous for its rich maritime history and naval base. At the entrance of the Penfeld, overlooking the harbor is the National Naval Museum, enclosed in the medieval Château de Brest.

Across the river stands Tour Tanguy, a medieval tower and to the northeast are the National Botanical Conservatory and the Océanopolis aquarium. Although most of the city was destroyed in the II world war, the military fortifications like the weapons and the city’s Chateau still remain.

The city is located close to the Atlantic and offers exciting activities from a tour of a world-class aquarium to naval museums.

Here are some of the fun activities that can remain memorable.

1. Get 360 Views of Brest

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One of the most innovative projects in the city is the “Plateau des Capucins,“ it offers 360° views of the city and has even obtained the Ecodistrict Label in 2009.

One will get to explore a beautiful panoramic view of the beautiful city of Brest while standing in one location. This site is positioned on one of the two banks of the Penfeld, a coastal river.

Moving from one side of the bank to the other has been made even more accessible through the use of cable cars which operate between the banks.

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy this site.  The views allow one to capture stunning photographs which will leave them with everlasting memories of their visit to Brest.

2. Quayside walk

Take a walk along the beautiful harbour of Brest. Brest has one of the best natural harbours in the city, a visit will be worthwhile. The commercial port is busy with activity and is home to hundreds of colourful buoys.

Experience the town’s vibes by taking a leisurely stroll along Quai Commandant-Malbert to see these buoys put in place by Finistere’s Lighthouses and Beacons department.

While on the walk, catch the people at the shipyards actively carrying on with their work building wooden boats.

3. A day out at Oceanopolis

Another fun activity that one can do while visiting Brest is spending the day at the Oceanopolis aquarium.

Both the young and the old will have a great time walking under the glass ceiling and walls watching turtles and other sea creatures swimming around.

The Oceanopolis is one of the biggest attractions in Brest. It is home to almost 1,000 species of marine creatures.

There is an array of interactive and animated displays that allows for both adventure and educational tour.

4. Relive history at the Musée de la Marine

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Brest is known for having a rich maritime history, with the port having been a military base, it is little wonder that the town is home to a maritime museum.

For those that love to learn how the present became, then head down to the Musee National de la Marine, one of Brest’s best museums.

It is located in the historical centre of the town and the museum is inside a castle that dates back to the 17^th century’s shipbuilding practices.

The museum gives a deeper insight into the age-old relationship between Brest and its maritime culture.

5. Sample some delicious French Cuisine

A tour of Brest cannot be complete without sampling the delicious French cuisine. There is an extensive selection of restaurants in the city that are top quality.

One can get to eat out on an affordable budget too. Much of the gastronomy in Brest, as with the rest of Brittany, revolves around the sea.

With its proximity to the Atlantic, the seafood served is fresh in the city and varied. No dietary option is left out, Brest is vegetarian-friendly too with many types of vegetables being grown in the region.

6. Crêpes anytime!

France is known for its delicious crêpes, both sweet and savory. The crêpes are served with a variety of fillings, from the simplest with only sugar to flambéed crêpes Suzette or elaborate savory galettes.

The restaurants offer diverse options of crêpes on their menus.
Enjoy your crêpe as a snack or for breakfast. There is something for everyone, young and old.

7. Visit the Castle- Château De Brest

The Château de Brest is a castle in Brest, Finistère, France. It is the oldest monument in the town located at the mouth of the river Penfeld.

A tour of the castle will give a clear understanding of how it withstood World War II, such a strong monument. It holds in it an action-packed history of the 17^th century and stands firm, a  guard over the beautiful city of Brest.

8. Spend some time at the Sea

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Life in the city of Brest revolves around the sea. That’s how it came about.

A trip to the coast will definitely be exciting. There are a number of fun things to do like; boat rides, swimming, walking along the beach or just chilling on the rooftop of a boat and enjoying the breeze.

9. Be one with nature at the Brests’ Botanical Conservation Center

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“Conservatoire botanique national de Brest” has purposed to save endangered plants since 1975.

Best time to visit the gardens is between July and August when they open the greenhouses to the public. There is a recreation of rainforests, tropical mountain and one can get to see plants that can only be found in the botanical garden.

10. Time Freeze at l’Iroise Bridge

This bridge was completed in 1994 and it is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Élorn river where it enters the roadstead of Brest. The Iroise bridge is part of the world history of cable-stayed bridges. It is one of the most beautiful in the national road network

The bridge offers an amazing and picturesque backdrop for a memorable photo. Close by is the Plougastel bridge that is strictly for pedestrians, allowing for an easy time to get that photo of the sunset or sunrise over the l’Iroise bridge.

Plougastel bridge gives a strategic viewpoint to admire the architecture, get aerial views of the bridge nearby too.