Brest, France on a Budget: A 3-Day Adventure

Discover the charm of Brest without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Brest, situated in the western French region of Brittany, offers a plethora of charming attractions for tourists traveling on a shoestring budget. Experience the city's rich maritime heritage by visiting its museums, such as The National Maritime Museum and The Museum of Fine Arts. Besides, explore the city's beautiful coastline and enjoy the fresh seafood delicacies at the local eateries at a fraction of the cost of more touristy cities.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic Side of Brest

  • Hotel: Le Regent Hotel & Spa
  • Take a walk through the city center and marvel at the old architecture
  • Visit the Château de Brest, a historic castle that now houses a maritime museum
  • Head to the Tour Tanguy, an old tower with mini dioramas depicting Brest's history
  • Wander around the stunning Jardin du Conservatoire Botanique National
  • Enjoy crepes and galettes at Creperie La Flammerie
Day 2

Excursions and Outdoor Activities

  • Visit the Oceanopolis, a massive aquarium with a range of sea creatures to view
  • Take a stroll along the stunning coastline and enjoy the fresh sea breeze
  • Rent a bike and cycle to the Pointe Saint-Mathieu lighthouse, noted for its views
  • Head out for some kayaking, paddleboarding or windsurfing, available from local rental shops
  • Enjoy delicious sushi and sashimi at Sushimoto
Day 3

Shopping and Relaxation

  • Spend time at the Brest Flea Market and purchase some charming vintage items
  • Grab a coffee and croissant at Cafe de la Paix after browsing the market
  • Enjoy a massage and relaxation session at Hammam Et Ospa
  • Visit the Brest Contemporary Art Museum to admire the work of local artists
  • Head to the restaurant Chez Divi for some delicious French cuisine and cocktails

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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