Description:

Brest is the second largest town in Brittany.  It was first recognised by the Romans as an ideal harbour and was considered to be the first port to be accessible from the Americas.  Brest is now the second largest military port in France.

Due to its military significance Brest suffered heavily from bombing during WW2 and consequently a lot of the architectural history of the town was destroyed.  However, residents of the town have worked hard to restore their heritage and Brest is now known for its Breton character, stunning local coastline and delicious seafood.

Brest is a Sub Prefecture (sous prefet) of Quimper.

Brest is in department Finistere in North East Brittany.

Brest is located in a wide natural harbour and covers an area of 50km².  The town is situated on the slopes of two hills which are divided by the river Penfield.  The left bank of the river is known as Brest Proper and the right bank is the older part of the town, Recouvrance.

Brest has a market every weekday morning at St Martin with around 45 stalls.  Similar sized markets can be found on Friday morning in Lambezellec and Saturday morning in Quatre Moulins.  For a larger market try the Rue de Siam market on Sunday mornings. For all other groceries there are 29 supermarkets in the Brest area.

Brest also has numerous clothes, shoe, home & garden and pet shops as you would expect in a large town.  A popular area is Rue de Siam which is home to lots of shops and restaurants.  The Rue was named after Siamese Ambassadors who visited Louis XIV in 1686 and is know for a lively athmosphere.

The town contains all the facilities and services you would expect from a large town.  There are numerous schools, doctors, dentists, a hospital, a train station and an airport. 

You can also find a Theatre, six Cinemas and a bowling alley.

Brest is best known for its harbour and what is said to be the highest drawbridge in Europe, the Pont de Recouvrance, at 210ft high.

The harbour is a thriving area with many places to eat and bars as well as free shows each Thursday evening in summer.  The restaurants mostly specialise in local seafood and Crepes, a Bretagne delicacy.

Every four years the town hosts a tall ship meeting 'Fete Internationale de la Mer et des Marins' which is not to be missed!  The next will be held in July 2012.  Brest is also home to the annual short film festival 'Festival European du Film Court de Brest' every November.

Brest is also the location for one of Brittany's largest attractions, Oceanopolis.  This giant sealife centre has over 10,000 marine animals with lots more to do based on the centres passion for conservation.  Get there early and stay all day.

There is also a small beach, Moulin Blanc, close to the centre of Brest as well as hundreds of miles of beach and coastline to explore in the region.

Worth a visit:

• Take a boat trip of the harbour
• Visit Ile d'Ouessant which forms part of the Armorique nature reserve.

• Walk around the beautiful botanical garden covers 54 acres in a deep valley with a stream running through. 

• The 15th century Chateau de Brest which houses the French navel headquarters and the 'Musee de la Marine' (Museum of the Sea).

• The history museum within the 14th century Tour Tanguy.

Brest has a wealth of sporting activities to suit everyone including 12 sports stadiums, 24 gyms, 5 swimming pools and an ice rink.

The town is particularly proud of its football team ''Stade Brestois 29' who are part of Ligue 2 (2nd highest French football league).  It is also the midpoint for the 1200km bicycle endurance event 'Paris-Brest-Paris'.

Other popular sports include Windsurfing, Yachting, Fishing, Horse riding, Mountain Biking and Golf.