Brest in Two - A Coastal Adventure

Discover the historic charm of Brest, France.

22 April 2023

Brest, France is a picturesque port town located on the Atlantic coast with breathtaking ocean views and stunning architecture from the 19th century. The city hosts several maritime museums showcasing the town's naval history and offers tourists access to nearby islands and beaches via boat tours. Delicious French cuisine, charming cafes, and a bustling nightlife make Brest an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in French culture.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Breton Beginnings

  • Stay at Hotel Oceania Brest Centre, with its unbeatable location for exploring the city
  • Start the day with a croissant and coffee in the charming Place Guérin
  • Visit the Musée National de la Marine for a glimpse into Brest's seafaring history
  • Take a stroll in the stunning Jardin Botanique du Stang-Alar, filled with plants from around the world
  • Enjoy a traditional Breton meal at Chez Jeannette, where the crepes and cider are simply divine
Day 2

Coastal Charms

  • Have breakfast at La Cour de Recre, a café run by a warm and welcoming French couple
  • Drive or take a bus to Pointe Saint-Mathieu, a dramatic peninsula with ancient ruins and sweeping views of the ocean
  • Stop by the Cidrerie de Rozavern for a tasting of their unique apple ciders and liqueurs
  • Explore the bustling daily market at Les Halles Saint Louis, filled with fresh seafood and local produce
  • Have a last dinner at Le Télégramme, with their inventive take on classic Breton fare and a cozy atmosphere.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Brest, France by plane is to fly to Brest Bretagne Airport from Paris. The flight takes around 1.5 hours and there are multiple flights per day. From the airport, take the Navette Aéroport shuttle bus to Brest city center.

Car

If you prefer to drive to Brest, France, the best route is to take the A10 and A11 highways from Paris. The drive takes around 5.5 hours and there are plenty of rest stops and service areas along the way. In Brest, there are plenty of parking options, including street parking and car parks.

Train

If you want to travel to Brest, France by train, the best option is to take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Brest station. The journey takes around 4.5 hours and there are several trains per day. From the station, take a taxi or bus to your destination.

Boat

While there are no direct ferries to Brest, France, you can take a ferry to Roscoff from Plymouth or Cork and then drive to Brest. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and there are several ferry companies that operate this route. Once in Roscoff, take the D58 and N12 highways to Brest.

Bus

Traveling to Brest, France by bus is a budget-friendly option. You can take the FlixBus from Paris to Brest, which takes around 8 hours. The bus arrives at Brest city center, so you can easily explore the city by foot or public transport.

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