Brest Castle

The castle of Brest

A symbol of Brest and of Brittany, the fortified castle is a major stop on the Brest audio-guided tour. It bears witness to the power of the city in medieval times and is the oldest remnant of the city.

From Roman ramparts to Vauban

Built on Gallo-Roman ramparts from the third century, the castle as we see it today is the work of Vauban, the architect of King Louis XIV, who remodelled it in the seventeenth century. Damaged during the Second World War, it has been entirely restored to preserve this precious witness of the city's medieval past.

What to see

It is the oldest still-active military castle in the world: part of it remains a military zone and cannot be visited. It nonetheless houses part of the national Navy museum, with its ship models, paintings and sculptures tracing the history of the arsenal and of Brest military life.

Practical information

The castle of Brest is on boulevard de la Marine, at the mouth of the Penfeld. It houses the national Navy museum; days, hours and prices should be checked depending on the season with the museum.

Who remodelled the castle of Brest ?

Vauban, the architect of King Louis XIV, who transformed it in the seventeenth century.

Can the castle be fully visited ?

No, part of it remains an active military zone; the rest houses the national Navy museum.