Grue Paindavoine – Brest’s famous crane

The Paindavoine crane

An industrial stop on the Brest audio-guided tour, the Paindavoine crane number 4 catches the eye in the port panorama. Recognisable by its yellow colour, it towers over the waterfront buildings and bears the name of the Lille company that designed it.

A witness of the Reconstruction

Built in 1951, like the Paindavoine cranes numbers 1, 2 and 3, this crane is a genuine historic monument. At that time, Brest was heavily damaged by the bombings of the Second World War. The Marshall Plan, launched by the Americans, funded part of the repairs to allow a rapid reconstruction of the stricken cities.

What to see

These cranes made it possible to load and unload ships' goods quickly and to repair the port's equipment. The Paindavoine number 4 thus contributed to the reconstruction of this emblematic site. Now preserved, it bears witness to the port and industrial past of Brest.

Practical information

The Paindavoine crane is on the port of Brest and can be seen from the viewpoints of the route. Freely accessible from outside, it can be discovered at any time.

Why is the Paindavoine crane listed ?

Because it bears witness to the reconstruction of the port of Brest after the Second World War, under the Marshall Plan.

What was this crane used for ?

To load and unload goods quickly and to repair the port's equipment.