Explore Brest

Explore Brest

Located at the western tip of Brittany, in the Finistère department, Brest is a major port city facing the Atlantic Ocean. With around 140,000 residents, it is a key naval, scientific, and academic hub in France. Heavily bombed during World War II, Brest was rebuilt around its harbor, ports, and maritime heritage. Today, it's known for its strong nautical identity, its research institutions, and large maritime events.

What to do around Brest? Visits and activities in Brest

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Visit Océanopolis

One of Europe's leading ocean discovery parks, Océanopolis offers three themed zones (polar, tropical, and temperate) where visitors can explore marine ecosystems from around the globe.
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Explore the Naval Port and Castle

The Château de Brest, over 1,700 years old, now houses the National Maritime Museum. It overlooks the military harbor, the strategic heart of the city.
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Take a Day Trip to the Crozon Peninsula

ust across the bay, the Crozon Peninsula offers breathtaking coastal scenery and excellent hiking trails. It’s a must for nature lovers.

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Enjoy the Bay by Boat or Kayak

Brest’s bay (rade) is one of the largest in Europe and is perfect for boat trips, kayaking, and sailing — a great way to appreciate the city from the water.

Useful information about Brest


Transport:
You can rent a car at the airport.
Public transport includes buses and trams. 

Health information:
Main hospital: CHU de Brest. Several clinics and medical practices are available across the city.
The emergency number is 112 for the ambulance service, fire brigade and coastguard.

Language: 
French is the main language.

Currency: E
uro (€)

Local time: t
here is a one-hour time difference between France and Jersey, which is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone. If it's midday in France, it's 11am in Alderney.

Electrical sockets: 
Sockets in Brest are european. You'll need an adaptor.

Customs: You must have a valid passport.

Brest Bretagne Airport: A Regional Hub

At the heart of Brest’s accessibility is Brest Bretagne Airport, located just 10 km from the city centre. The airport offers direct connections to major French cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, as well as international destinations across Europe. Its efficient structure ensures a smooth travel experience, while its growing network of flights positions it as a regional hub, ideal for connecting flights whether for business or leisure. From Brest, travellers can easily continue their journey to key European cities, Mediterranean coasts, or cultural capitals.

Visiting Brest: 

Plan your trip with the official tourism website:
https://www.brest-metropole-tourisme.fr