Fun-filled 5-day escape to Brest, France

Discover historic Brest, where tales of the sea come to life.

22 April 2023

Brest is a beautiful port town located in the western part of France. The town is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and delicious seafood cuisine. Some of the popular places to visit in Brest include the Chateau de Brest, Oceanopolis, and the National Marine Museum.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Brest

  • Check into Hotel Oceania, located in the heart of Brest and just steps away from the historic castle.
  • Visit the Brest Castle, a prominent attraction in the city that dates back to the 14th century.
  • Take a stroll through the Jardin du Conservatoire botanique national de Brest, a beautiful botanical garden showcasing a wide variety of flowers and plants.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Les Vedettes, a seafood restaurant that offers fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
  • End the night with a drink at Le Comptoir du Bougnat, a cozy pub that serves locally produced beer.
Day 2

Exploring Brest's Maritime Side

  • Begin the day with a tour of the Océanopolis aquarium, which is home to over 10,000 sea creatures and several exhibitions.
  • Take a boat tour of the harbor and explore the city's maritime heritage and history.
  • Visit the Naval Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and displays relating to Brest's Naval traditions.
  • Lunch at Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs, a charming seafood restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the sea.
  • Enjoy the afternoon at the Plage du Moulin Blanc, a gorgeous sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Day 3

Discover Brest's Artistic Side

  • Begin the day with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Brest, a museum showcasing various collections of art from local artists.
  • Take a leisurely walk around the city, reveling in the beautiful art work and street murals found along the streets.
  • Bonnet Rouge, a hidden gem in the city, has outstanding French cuisine
  • Visit the L'Hopital-Camfrout Church, a historic church that dates back to the 16th century.
  • End the night with a drink at La Belle Equipe, a cozy bar that also doubles as a gallery showcasing contemporary art.
Day 4

Touring the Surrounding Countryside

  • Take a day trip to the nearby town of Concarneau, where you can visit the intact medieval city that still inhabits the city today.
  • Wander around the town and visit the art galleries and shops.
  • Walk around the Ville Close, a unique section of the city surrounded by walls.
  • For lunch, head to Au Lequin Du Pays Fouesnantais, a local pub that serves some of the best bread in the region.
  • Return to Brest, take a stroll around town to see the sunset, and then head lunch to Kergaradec Island, for an intimate dinner with the freshest seafood in town.
Day 5

Departure

  • Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, the Oceania, and check-out.
  • Visit the Tour Tanguy, a fort that houses a museum showcasing the history of Brest.
  • Buy souvenirs or unique finds at the Flea Market held twice a week in Place St Louis.
  • Take a taxi or public transport to your next destination.

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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