The Ultimate Long Weekend in Brest, France

Discover the historic port city of Brest, where Breton culture meets the sea.

03 May 2023

Brest, located in the western region of Brittany in France, is a picturesque destination with a rich maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the imposing Château de Brest, take a stroll through the charming streets of the city's old town, and discover the impressive National Maritime Museum. Additionally, the stunning coastline offers opportunities for scenic walks and boat trips.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Ocean Discovery

  • Hotel: Hotel Oceania Brest Centre
  • Check-in and rest at the hotel
  • Visit Océanopolis, a marine park with three themed pavilions representing different underwater environments
  • Explore the National Botanic Conservatory of Brest, home to rare and exotic plants from around the world
  • Have traditional crepes at Crêperie le Ruz, a cozy restaurant near the harbor
  • See the impressive ocean liner, the Jeanne d'Arc, at the National Navy Museum
Day 2

Historic Landmarks and Local Delights

  • Start the day with coffee and croissants at La Croissanterie, a local bakery
  • Visit the iconic Brest Castle, a fortress built in the 14th century and later used as a prison
  • Take a stroll through the garden of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Brest, a fine arts museum
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at Le Réfectoire, a trendy restaurant with views of the harbor
  • Walk along the bustling Rue de Siam, one of the busiest streets in Brest
  • Enjoy a glass of cider and traditional galettes at La Crêpe Rit, a charming restaurant with outdoor seating
Day 3

Nature and Calmness

  • Start the day with a walk along the Plage du Moulin Blanc, a comfortable and charming beach
  • Explore the vast Ouessant Island, known for its rugged coastline and stunning lighthouses
  • Visit the peaceful and charming Pointe de Saint-Mathieu, a historic lighthouse overlooking the ocean
  • Have lunch at L'Escale, a local restaurant serving fresh seafood
  • Take a boat tour around the harbor and enjoy the stunning sunset
  • End the day with a glass of wine at Le Bouche à Oreille, a charming wine bar on the harbor side.
  • Brest is a beautiful and charming city that combines history, culture, and nature in a perfect way. With its unique landmarks, local cuisine, and stunning views, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable adventure in this charming city. Enjoy your stay!

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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