Brest on a Budget: The Ultimate 5-Day Guide

Explore Brest on a dime.

21 June 2023

Brest is a charming port city in the Brittany region of France, offering a unique blend of ancient history and modern attractions. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it's possible to explore this stunning coastal city on a limited budget. With plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options and affordable eateries, you can plan a budget trip to Brest without sacrificing any fun.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive and Indulge

  • Check into Hotel de la Paix, a charming budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Brest
  • Grab a coffee and croissant at Cafe de la Paix, just a few steps away from the hotel
  • Explore the bustling St. Louis neighborhood and its vibrant street art scene
  • Indulge in some traditional Breton cuisine at Le Bouff'tard, where the galettes and crêpes are a must-try
  • Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront and catch a glimpse of the world-renowned Océanopolis marine park
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Visit the Château de Brest, a mighty fortress that dates back to the Middle Ages
  • Wander through the Musée national de la Marine, which showcases the city's rich maritime history
  • Admire the impressive frescoes and stained glass at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a former palace
  • Grab a light lunch at the trendy La Traverse Cafe-Galerie, featuring organic and local ingredients
  • Take in a show at the Quartz, the city's modern arts center that hosts a variety of performances
Day 3

Island Hopping

  • Take a ferry from Brest to the beautiful Ile d'Ouessant, known for its rugged coastline and scenic lighthouses
  • Enjoy a leisurely hike around the island, stopping to admire the picturesque villages and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Sample some of the island's famous seafood at Le Fromveur, a cozy restaurant that offers panoramic views
  • Catch the last ferry back to Brest and relax with a drink at La Carène, a popular music venue and bar
Day 4

Nature and Adventure

  • Head to the Monts d'Arrée regional park, a nature lover's paradise with stunning mountain ranges, wild rivers, and panoramic vistas
  • Take a scenic drive or bike ride along the Route des Monts d'Arrée, stopping to hike or picnic in the green valleys and forests
  • Experience the thrill of jet-skiing or paddle-boarding at the Plouzané nautical base
  • Feast on freshly caught seafood at La Table de Ty Pot, a local favorite with a cozy ambiance
  • Enjoy a nightcap at Le Sans-Souci, a quirky bar with funky decor and live music
Day 5

Art and Shopping

  • Explore the charming Saint-Martin neighborhood, known for its historic buildings and trendy boutiques
  • Browse the contemporary art at the Fonds Hélène & Édouard Leclerc pour la Culture, a cutting-edge museum housed in a renovated cider factory
  • Hunt for souvenirs and unique gifts at the bustling Marché de St. Martin, a lively outdoor market that offers everything from local produce to handmade crafts
  • Dine on delicious Vietnamese cuisine at Le Baratin, a cozy restaurant with warm decor and friendly service
  • Toast to a wonderful stay in Brest with a glass of locally brewed beer at La Brasserie du Bout du Monde.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Brest

Welcome to the city with a name that's sure to make you giggle. But don't be fooled by its moniker, Brest has plenty to offer beyond just a good chuckle.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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