Brest, France
Description
View cruises with Brest, FranceA fortified city since the days of the Roman Empire, Brest sits in a sheltered bay on the Crozon peninsula. Developed as a military base and arsenal by Cardinal Richelieu in 1631, today, it is home to one of France's three naval bases. Though much of Brest was destroyed during World War II, the city's
oldest structure was spared, including the 13th century Brest Castle, which today houses the National Marine Museum. And just outside of Brest you'll find unspoiled beauty, storybook villages, ragged cliffs, and some of Brittany's sweet and savory offerings.
Points of Interest
- Chateau of Brest
- Quimper
- Pont-Aven
- Concarneau
- Brest
- Pointe St-Mathieu
- Morlaix
- Chateau de Jerjean
More about Brest, France Points of Interest
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Chateau of Brest -
Originally erected as a Roman stronghold to defend against attackers, the imposing Chateau de Brest evolved over 1,700 years to accommodate advances in warfare. Today, this historic castle is home to the National Maritime Museum.
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Quimper -
Settled during Roman times, the Celtic city of Quimper, renowned for its faïence pottery, evokes the past with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and St. Corentin's Cathedral, an ancient Gothic edifice with amazing stained glass.
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Pont-Aven -
Celebrate art and beauty in this old milling town where Gaughin and fellow artists founded the famous Pont-Aven School, birthplace to their vibrant new style, Synthetism, which was inspired by the area's rich, splendid landscape.
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Concarneau -
Encircled by 14th-century fortified granite walls with only two entrances, the medieval city of Concarneau, once a center for shipbuilding, features narrow lanes lined with charming souvenir shops, cafes and a superb fishing museum.
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Brest -
Despite the Allied bombing campaign, Brest offers a number of historic sites. Today it houses the Maritime Museum, Tanguy Tower and Siam Street, where ambassadors from Siam arrived in 1668 on a formal state visit to Louis XIV.
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Pointe St-Mathieu -
Full of legends and history, this dramatic promontory is the westernmost point of mainland France. Not only does it boast stunning views but a red-and-white lighthouse stands amid the ruins of an ancient Benedictine abbey.
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Morlaix -
A colossal viaduct stretches across the charming old town whose narrow streets are home to "maisons à pondale." Constructed in the 16th century, these half-timbered three-storied houses are the world's only examples of "overhanging houses."
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Chateau de Jerjean -
Set within a 49-acre park and surrounded by fortifications with 39-foot-thick walls, the 16th century chateau is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. Its lovely fountains and flower gardens are ideal for strolling. .
