Les Ateliers des Capucins

LES ATELIERS DES CAPUCINS IS EUROPE'S LARGEST COVERED PUBLIC SQUARE, ATYPICAL, FREE AND ACCESSIBLE ALL YEAR ROUND.

Located in the heart of the city of Brest and overlooking the banks of the Penfeld, the Ateliers des Capucins is a veritable industrial cathedral, with majestic naves and a breathtaking panoramic view over the harbor. Originally a convent for Capuchin monks in 1695, it was later converted into industrial workshops. In 2000, the city of Brest decided to open up this forbidden city to the people of Brest and, as part of an ambitious eco-neighborhood project, to rehabilitate the former industrial workshops, which were destined to become a 35,000 m² economic, cultural, tourist and leisure hub with a metropolitan influence. Today, the flagship building of the Plateau des Capucins, Les Ateliers is a large covered public square (the largest in Europe?!) that amazes young and old alike. A not-to-be-missed venue in Brest, it's a new and unusual third-party venue for events of all kinds, from simple seminars to public events and exhibitions!

Do you know many other places that house concept stores, mixed with virtual reality, cutting-edge film technology and the scent of coffee and hops? A climbing gym where you can climb 17m, innovate, consult over 120,000 books while contemplating the Canot de l'Empereur Napoléon I, before discovering a food court offering a panoramic view of Brest? Innovation and modernity are the driving forces behind this 3rd place, inviting encounters, curiosity and discovery.

A blend of cultures, a mix of populations, a call to culture and digital technology, a fusion of public and private, a link between past and present - these are the values that Les Ateliers aims to embody. Les Ateliers des Capucins boasts a media library, shops, restaurant and start-up businesses! Ideal for a gourmet break or to discover the heritage of Brest, this place is sure to capture your heart!

Unusual and magical, the cathedral effect of this 35,000m² building opened in November 2016 always has that "wow" effect. Its vast 10,000m² Place des Machines is a playground for everyone. Accessible to all and every day during opening hours, it aims to be welcoming and atypical, offering (almost) total freedom and free admission, so that everyone can enjoy it.

Scooter, bike, with or without wheels, skateboard, picnic, birthday party... there's something for everyone!

How do I get there?
There are two ways to get here: either take the streetcar to the "Capucins" station, or take the cable car across the Penfeld and discover Brest and its harbour in the distance. A 3-minute ride will leave a lasting impression...

Cable car opening hours
Mondays: 11:00 to 00:30,
Tuesdays to Thursdays: 7:30 to 00:30,
Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 to 1:00,
Sundays and public holidays: 9:00 to 23:00