Advice

I'd like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. Once you've explored Brest's historic center, I suggest you take a stroll down the city's most emblematic street, rue Saint-Malo. It's one of the last remnants of the old town. Alongside this busy street, you'll find the largest covered public square in Europe, known as the Ateliers des Capucins. This cultural and commercial center on the right bank of the Penfeld River is home to shops, bars, restaurants and even a theater and media library. You can reach rue Saint-Malo and the Capucins district via Brest's cable car, France's first city cable car, inaugurated in 2016. It offers superb views over the city. To round off your visit to Brest, venture away from the city center and head for the Moulin Blanc Marina. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a swim at the Moulin Blanc beach, or visit the famous Océanopolis, one of France's biggest aquariums. Not far from the Moulin Blanc Marina, you’ll also find the National Botanical Conservatory, a 30-hectare park housing one of the world's largest collections of endangered plants. You can also take a short drive across town to Fort Montbarey, a memorial museum open to visitors only on certain afternoons during the week. Here, you'll learn all about Brest's history during World War II. If you're staying in the area for a while, be sure to visit Landerneau, a town with a rich history and culture that's home to one of France's last inhabited covered bridges. Continue your journey downhill to the Crozon Peninsula, a site of great natural beauty. Here, you'll find numerous hiking trails that will take you through stunning landscapes, along steep cliffs and the coast. A little further south, there's the beautiful Quimper, a City of Art and History and the prefecture of the Finistère department. For those of you traveling to the other side of Brest, be sure to make a stop at St Matthew Point, also known as the End of the World. Here, time truly seems to stand still. On your way there, check out the Petit Minou lighthouse, one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Looking to surf, swim, or take a leisurely walk along the beach? Head to the Blancs Sablons Beach, just a stone's throw from St Matthew Point. It's one of the region's most beautiful beaches. For panoramic views, take the Landunvez Route, a 5 km-long tourist route along the coast, linking Penfoull to Portsall. If you're traveling north of Brest, be sure to visit Ménez Ham, a beautiful little hamlet full of old thatched cottages. You can also visit Locronan, one of France's most beautiful villages, located less than an hour's drive from Brest. It's a traditional Breton village, full of beautiful, well-preserved Renaissance buildings. A stroll there is like a journey through time! A little further afield, but not too far from Brest, there's Roscoff, a small city with lots of character that has become a must-see in the Finistère department. If you're staying in this area for a while, you can continue along the coast and visit Morlaix Bay, famous for its rich birdlife, great beaches, charming villages and remarkable historical heritage. Last but not least, you can venture off to the highlands and head for the Monts d'Arrée mountain range for a scenic hike. Well, with all this, you’ve got plenty to enjoy if you feel like spending some time in the area.