Tanguy Tower

The Tanguy tower

Built in the fourteenth century, the Tanguy tower is one of the oldest monuments in Brest and a notable stop on the Brest audio-guided tour. Located opposite the castle, on the right bank of the Penfeld, it watches over the river.

From a fortress to a museum

The tower visible today has been rebuilt twice. It was part of a fortress built at the request of the Duke of Brittany John IV to dislodge the English soldiers then occupying the castle of Brest. Its name recalls the du Chastel family, many of whose members were named Tanguy. Having become private property in 1786, then a dwelling, it caught fire in 1944 after the bombings.

What to see

Restored after the war, the tower has housed since 1962 the museum of Old Brest, which traces the history of the pre-war city. It is a dive into vanished Brest, to be discovered at the foot of the Recouvrance bridge.

Practical information

The Tanguy tower is on the right bank of the Penfeld, at the foot of the Recouvrance bridge, reached via square Pierre-Peron. Opening days and times of the Old Brest museum should be checked depending on the season.

What does the Tanguy tower hold ?

The museum of Old Brest, tracing the history of the pre-war city, since 1962.

Why was the tower built ?

It was part of a fortress built for Duke John IV to dislodge the English from the castle of Brest.