Visit Brest and Brittany, the far West of France

Why come to Brittany?

For its landcapes

With its rugged landscapes criss-crossed by 30,000 kilometres of rivers and streams, not to mention 2,730 kilometres of coastline, Brittany is a region like no other. Accounting for a third of France's total coastline, no municipality in Brittany is located more than 80 km from the sea. The region's landscapes are highly distinctive, combining maritime and terrestrial features such as dunes, cliffs, moors, peat bogs and forests. In total, Brittany covers 27,209 km², representing 5% of France's total territory.

Brittany ranked among the French metropolitan regions with the most dynamic growth, with 3,329,000 inhabitants.

From North to South, from the Monts d'Arrée mountains to lake of Guerlédan, from the pink granite coast to the rugged cliffs of Finistère, Brittany is a hidden treasure filled with all types of landscapes. It also covers three Regional Natural Parks, the one closest to Brest, the Armorique Regional Park covers three inhabited islands (Ouessant, Molène and Sein) which are classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is also bordered on its maritime boundary by the Iroise Marine Natural Park.

For its culture

The Brittany region is known for its deep Celtic roots, which are broadcast internationally through Inter-Celtic Festival of Lorient, which is held every August and is one of the 350 festivals held each year in the region. From the Breton language, which you can see on bilingual road signs, to traditional dances and a cuisine that makes generous use of salted butter, not to mention music that can be heard from afar thanks to traditional bagpipes known as binious, Brittany is full of surprises.

For more information, check out Brittany Tourism.

Why come to Brest?

The gateway to the Atlantic Ocean & English Channel

Brest, the so-called 'city at the end of the world', was completely rebuilt after the Second World War. Its undeniable maritime identity makes it an essential stop before continuing the journey to the nearby white-sand beaches with turquoise water. Just a word of warning: bring your swimsuit at the end of August, but don't expect Mediterranean temperatures in the water!

Must see in Brest

• La Pointe du Petit Minou

• Océanopolis

• National Maritime Museum

• Brest National Botanical Conservatory

• Les Ateliers des Capucins

• Cruise in Brest Bay

For more information, check out Brest Tourist Office's website. 

Must see in Brest region

• Pointe Saint-Mathieu, its lighthouse and abbey

• The Virgin Island and its lighthouses

• Le Conquet, main fishing port and Petite Cité de Caractère® (Small Town of Character)

• The Blancs Sablons Beach and its dunes

• Daoulas Abbey

• The dunes of Sainte-Marguerite in Landéda

• The port of Portsall in Ploudalmézeau

• Further west: Pointe du Corsen

 For more ideas, check out Brest Terres Océanes' website.