10 Reasons to Visit Brest

With new, easier-than-ever access to Brest Airport, visitors will want to add this fascinating port city in Brittany to their travel wish list in the coming year. Read on to find out why…

1. Brest – an easy-to-access destination 

Low-cost airline Volotea is offering two flights a week to Brest Bretagne airport, on Thursdays and Sundays, until March 27, 2025; and from March 31, 2025, it will offer two flights a week on Thursdays and Mondays. This means wild landscapes, rich gastronomy, history and culture are just a one-hour flight away from London Gatwick.   

2. A bustling city 

Brest sits at the tip of a peninsula at the westernmost edge of mainland France and is often referred to as being at the ‘end of the world’. It’s certainly a unique place, for here, in the same day, you can visit vestiges of the Second World War, stroll to a contemporary art exhibition taking in works of street art on the way, and in the evening, attend a show on one of the first national stages in France, or head to a concert in a bar. Eclectic and multicultural, Brest perfectly lives up to its title of Ville d’art et d’histoire. Throughout the year, numerous cultural and music events are held, so be sure to check what’s on before you travel. 

3. Ateliers des Capucins and Brest cable car  

A 17th-century former monastery, the Ateliers des Capucins was converted into Naval workshopsand now it is the largest covered square in Europe, hosting events, shops, exhibitions, cinema and more. To get there you can take the tram, or for a rather more memorable experience, cross the Penfeld river via cable car and discover Brest and its harbour in all its glory. 

4. National Maritime Museum and Brest Castle 

With more than 1700 years of history, the Château de Brest is the oldest part of Brest. The medieval fortress houses the National Maritime Museum, which traces the city’s maritime past and honours the maritime heritage of today, which forms an integral part of Brest life. Once you’ve explored the museum, stroll along the belvederes and admire the splendid panoramas of the harbour, the Penfeld and the Arsenal, the city and ports of Brest. 

5. Océanopolis, marine park and national centre for scientific study 

Much more than an aquarium, this unique ocean discovery park in Europe is the most visited tourist site in Brittany. The visit of its three thematic pavilions combines science, education and the preservation of marine environments. And to perfect your understanding of the issues surrounding the ocean, you can complete your experience with 70.8 by Océanopolis. Inaugurated in 2021, it showcases in an interactive way the importance of the ocean environment in our daily lives and for our future. 

6. Nature side 

The strength of Brest and its spirit lie in the diversity of its spaces and landscapes. The city may be bustling and full of energy, but it is never far from large, green spaces in which to relax and unwind, such as the Plougastel Peninsula and the Pointe Saint-Mathieu. 

7. Walks and activities in the Bay of Brest 

The Bay of Brest is a 180km2 body of water and a real nautical stadium. It’s ideal for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and many other water sports. Why not ride in an old rig in the harbour, water walk at the Moulin Blanc or surf at Le Petit Minou? There really is something for everyone.  

If you are more of a hiker, the region attracts many walking enthusiasts on the Sentier des douaniers, a favourite hiking trail of the French. The most maritime of the Grande Randonnée trails runs along the Breton coast for 2,000km, revealing breathtaking landscapes along the way. The Pointe du Minou and, a little further on, the Crozon peninsula are remarkable sites worth visiting too. 

8. Brest and its islands 

Take the boat from Brest’s port towards Ushant or Molène and admire the majestic lighthouses dotting the wild and chiselled coast… With a bit of luck, you’ll spot some seals and bottlenose dolphins. 

Ushant is the westernmost of the Breton islands. At 7km long, its majestic landscape is dotted with astonishingly shaped rocks, sheep shelters, wild beaches and five lighthouses. 

Molène is the main island in an archipelago made up of nine islets. This small island located in the heart of the Iroise Marine Natural Park is a paradise for nature lovers and a refuge for birds and marine mammals. All around the island, a coastal path offers views of the archipelago’s islets, which are hidden and revealed as the tides come and go. 

9. A gourmet destination 

Brest is ideally placed for many delicious products, such as scallops, oysters, clams and langoustines straight from the harbour, abalone from Plouguerneau and strawberries from Plougastel. Then there are the local specialities such as pancakes, kig ha farz, kouign amann, Breton cake, 100% Breton butter recipes…  

10. Places to recharge your batteries 

Brest and its surrounding area have beautiful spots in which to relax and focus on your wellbeing, including luxury establishments with spa facilities and à la carte dining. Here are a few: 

Le Conti: Immerse yourself in the world and elegance of the transatlantic cruises of the 30s… Behind the building of this hotel in Brest city centre, discover a 4-star spa hotel with character in pure Art Deco style.

Le Barracuda: Located at the foot of the Marina du Château, the 4-star Barracuda Hotel & Spa is a unique place in Brest. Enjoy a panoramic view of the harbour and take your time in its wellness area. 

La Butte: Tradition and modernity meet at this luxury hotel and spa. Enjoy a gastronomic experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant or spend a timeless, relaxing break with a view of the bay of Goulven. 

L’Hostellerie de la pointe Saint-Mathieu: This 4-star establishment at the extreme tip of Brittany invites you to enjoy gastronomic delights at its Michelin-starred restaurant, or take a journey of the senses thanks to the wide range of treatments at the spa.