Brest Bound: A 5-Day Family Adventure on a Budget
Discover Brest: Where family fun meets French charm.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Brest, France is an ideal destination for a family friendly trip, offering a mix of cultural and outdoor activities for all ages. Visit the fascinating Oceanopolis, an aquarium and science center, where children can explore marine life and learn about conservation. Take a leisurely stroll along the charming coastline, dotted with parks and playgrounds, and indulge in delicious local cuisine at family-friendly restaurants.
Travel plan
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- Drop anchor at the charming Hotel Vauban, where nautical-themed rooms await your family's adventurous souls.
- Embark on a voyage to Oceanopolis, a sprawling ocean discovery park that will make you feel like Poseidon's personal guests.
- Set sail to Brest Castle, an ancient fortress that has sent countless invaders scurrying for cover.
- Don't miss Le Comptoir des Artistes, a quirky restaurant bustling with creative energy and serving up scrumptious Breton delights.
- Stroll along the bustling Rue Jean Jaurès, where hidden boutiques and quaint cafes await your discovery.
- End the day with scoops of creamy goodness at Gelateria du Port, savoring indulgent gelato flavors that will make your taste buds dance a jig.
- Rise with the sun and unleash your inner beach bum at beautiful Moulin Blanc Beach, where golden sands and crashing waves invite endless family fun.
- Immerse in maritime history at the National Navy Museum, with exhibits showcasing the life and triumphs of fearless sea captains.
- Devour fresh-off-the-boat seafood at Le Crabe-Marteau, where cracking shells and finger-licking sauces transform dining into a joyful shellfish frenzy.
- Wander through the enchanting St. Louis Church, basking in its celestial beauty and feeling closer to the heavens.
- Catch a captivating performance at Quartz, a cultural haven hosting theater, dance, and music that will weave tales of wonder into your evening.
- Release your inner scientist at the curious Océanopolis aquarium, marveling at the mesmerizing jellyfish and mysterious seahorses.
- Unleash your creativity at Le Musée des Beaux-Arts with its fascinating collection of French and European artwork.
- Dive into the bustling Les Halles Saint Louis, a food market brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and mouthwatering pastries.
- Tiptoe through the towering Vallon du Stang-Alar gardens, a tranquil oasis where nature's whispers drown the world's chaos.
- Tantalize your taste buds with crepes galore at La Crêperie de St Malo, a charming spot where savory and sweet flavors collide in a delicate dance.
- Discover Brest's cultural kaleidoscope at Le Fourneau, a vibrant performing arts hub where street performers enthrall and traditional dance captivates.
- Indulge in a culinary adventure at Au Bout du Monde, a restaurant that transports you to distant lands with its fusion of exotic flavors.
- Don't miss a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Brest Arsenal, once a naval shipbuilding hub and now a fascinating historical site.
- Journey back in time at the Musée National de la Marine, where maritime artifacts and tales of legendary voyages beckon the inner sailor in you.
- Unwind with a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Penfeld River, allowing the gentle breeze to lull you into serenity.
- Bid farewell to Brest with a hearty breakfast at La Buche, savoring traditional pastries and robust coffee that will fuel your journey home.
- Immerse in the tranquility of Brest's Japanese Garden, where lush greenery and graceful bridges transport you to a zen paradise.
- Allow the enchanting melodies of the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne to serenade your soul during a captivating performance.
- Bid adieu to Brest Castle with a sweeping view of the city, a fitting farewell to a destination that has stolen your heart.
- Pack your bags with memories galore, promising to return to this treasure trove of maritime wonders.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.