Things To Do in Brest France

Brest Things to Do

Brest is located in northeastern France and is known for its naval traditions. Home of the French Naval Academy, Brest has several must see attractions for visitors. We have put together a short list of favorites in Brest, France.

Musée National de la Marine

The Chateau de Brest is home to one of five French maritime museums. After World War II, the castle at Brest was the only remaining substantial building left standing so the French navy took over the building to use as their naval college. Today, visitors can tour the museum and explore almost 17 centuries worth of French naval history. Admission to the museum is 6 Euros and it includes a free audio guide to explain the different exhibits. The audio guides are available in French, English, Spanish, German, and Italian.

City Walls

Since the Roman Empire stretched to include France, Brest has been a fortified city. The walls lasted through the 16th century when the entire town was still enclosed. Toward the end of the 16th century in order to keep up with advancing artillery technology, the walls and the castle were re-fortified to better defend the city. During World War II however, much of the walls were destroyed. Visitors today can still see sections of the walls that are facing the ports and the castle itself. Visitors can walk beside the city walls from just outside the railway station, through the front of the harbor, and finish the walk at the gardens which belong to the Naval College at the Chateau.

Saint Michel Fair

Held at the end of September each year, there is a large fair that takes place in the center of the city to honor Saint Michel. During this time the streets are closed to cars and there are vendors who will set up souvenir shops selling goods at fair prices. Visitors can travel to the “freedom place” in the fair where children are encouraged to sell their old toys and books for the chance to make a little bit of money.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do when visiting Brest, France.