3 routes to discover the Cité du Ponant
Want to visit Brest by bike, in slow mode? We've put together 3 itineraries to help you discover the city's must-see places, punctuated by unmissable nuggets and good addresses for taking a break or admiring the most beautiful viewpoints.
Route 1 Brest by bike
Your route begins at Chemin du Vieux Pont, Plougastel-Daoulas. Cross the Elorn at the Pont Albert Louppe. Inaugurated in 1930, partly destroyed during the war, then rebuilt and enlarged, it owes its name to a senator and engineer from Finistère.
Until the 1980s and the construction of the Iroise bridge, it was the only way (except by sea) to cross to Brest. Today, with its "20th century heritage" label, it is reserved for cyclists and pedestrians.
Take the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of Brest harbour!
Early morning?
Start early to cross the bridge at sunrise. It's a magical sight!
Nature break
It's time to put down your bike. Just two minutes from the center of Brest, treat yourself to a nature getaway at Bois des Sables Rouges.
The calm, the vegetation and the view of the harbor invite you to relax.
Enjoy a walk on the trails or treat yourself to a moment of rest or meditation.
Have you noticed
At the time it was built, you had to pay a tax to use it: 50 centimes for a pedestrian, a sheep, a pig or a calf, 1 franc for a cow or a bicycle, 2 francs for a motorcycle...
Today, these houses have become cultural venues hosting exhibitions.
Swimming,
Take boulevard Maissin and cycle along the Moulin Blanc beach to the marina.
At once secluded and close to the city center, it's a popular spot for bathing, longe-côte and water sports.
Take the opportunity to walk barefoot in the sand, stroll along the Polder or recharge your batteries in one of the restaurants.
Did you know?
This is where you'll find Océanopolis, one of France's largest ocean discovery parks. If you're not in the mood for a visit, this site is a must-see in Brest.
Gourmet stage
Continue along rue des Albatros, then rue des Sternes. Now's the time to stop and sample some local specialties.
The Poem craft brewery offers a dozen organic products, brewed in Brest, to taste on the premises or to take away. Right next door, the Terres d'Embruns cookie factory will have you salivating with its kouign-amann, buckwheat cookies and palets bretons.
But be careful, dear gourmands, because you'll have to get back on the bike!
On Rue des Pétrels, the "Mémoires" sculpture is dedicated to the victims of slavery. Created by Max Rezoulat, it was installed in 2015.
Visit us at
The site can be explored on foot. The garden, located in the Vallon du Stang Alar, covers 30 hectares and features plants from all over the world.
A place to relax and breathe in the heart of the city, the Conservatoire Botanique National is first and foremost a center for study, research and protection of endangered species.
In its tropical greenhouses, which recreate 4 exotic environments, you can observe dozens of rare plants on the verge of extinction.
Circuit 2 Brest by bike
Leaving La Carène, Brest's music venue and party mecca, hop on your bike and head for the commercial port, or "port de co'", Brest-style.
This is the sea in town, the departure point for cruises in the Iroise Sea, and a particularly popular place for locals to meet up at weekends, or in the evenings after work.
You can enjoy a drink on the terrace or dine in the varied choice of restaurants: crêperies, seafood and fish restaurants, brasseries...
Admire
Take a look at the giant fresco (140 m²!) " Le Lamaneur" by Brest artist Paul Boas, created in 2004, has become the emblem of the port of Co.
Maritime history through
After a short climb up the access ramp to the port, you'll arrive at the Château de Brest, a rarevestige of the city that was destroyed during the Second World War bombing raids.
This building, whose foundations were laid in the 3rd century, houses the National Maritime Museum.
A must-see in Brest, it retraces the city'smaritime history, from the expeditions of the great navigators to sailing records and the military world.
the Jardin de l'Académie de Marine is ideal for a picnic break, with views over the Château marina, the commercial port and Brest harbor.
Management
From the Château, you can see the Pont de Recouvrance, which we'll cross by bike. Passing over the Penfeld, you can make out the Tour Tanguy.
Built in the 14th century on a rocky knoll, it has been home to the Musée du Vieux Brest since the 1960s.
The 14 dioramas feature reconstructions of major events in the city's history, as well as scenes from pre-war daily life.
Did you know?
For many years, Recouvrance was Europe's largest lift bridge. It has now been dethroned by the Chaban-Delmas bridge in Bordeaux.
Saint-Malo Street
Take the cycle lane as you leave the bridge. Pass rue Quartier Maître, then rue Jean Bart, and finally rue de Pontaniou, where you'll find yourself on land in front of the former maritime prison.
Then, at the bottom of the stairs, take a break in rue Saint-Malo, the only street to have survived the bombardments. Take a timeless plunge into the popular pre-war Brest.
This charming street, with its cobbled streets and houses dating from 1690, is alive with events and street art all year round.
Les Ateliers des Capucins
The last stage of your tour invites you to put down your bike and dive into the effervescence of this XXL third place, a cultural living space bubbling with ideas, sharing, initiatives and encounters. Formerly a convent, then a Navy workshop, Ateliers des Capucins reopened in 2016 as a giant melting pot.
Here you'll find a large media library, a climbing gym, a micro-brewery, a space dedicated to maritime innovations: the 70.8, shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Canot de l'Empereur, the boat that took Napoleon to Brest.
And if you were to leave...
Take the cable car with your bike (1 bike per cabin) and enjoy a unique view over the Penfeld, before returning to land in a few minutes at the bottom of Rue de Siam.
Route 3 Brest by bike
This third, slightly sportier circuit starts at the foot of the Ateliers des Capucins. Pass through the popular and festive Recouvrance district, a testament to what's left of old Brest.
If you have time to spare, opt for the guided tour, which will explain the history of this very special district. The somewhat strenuous climb up Rue Vauban leads you to the Church of Saint-Sauveur, the oldest in the city.
Le Jardin des Explorateurs
Via Rue de Cherbourg, you arrive in this green space in the heart of Brest, offering a remarkable panorama of the Château, the Marina and the harbor.
This garden brings together the botanical discoveries brought back from all over the world by the great 18th-century explorers who set out from Brest, such as Bougainville and Commerson.
A truly exotic interlude!
Rue de Siam
Pedal along rue de la Pointe, then Traverse de l'Église, du Parc and Bouillon, to reach rue de Siam. This district is the hub of Brest's shopping scene, with its mix of big names, designer boutiques, concept stores, delicatessens and unusual stalls.
The terraces invite you to take a thirst-quenching break or grab a bite to eat before continuing your discovery of Brest by bike.
Bookworms can stop off at Dialogues, Finistère's largest bookshop, while gourmets can visit Histoires de Chocolat to savour its unique creations.
Did you know?
Nearby are the Halles Saint-Louis and their Sunday market. Here, locals and tourists alike come to fill their baskets with delicious local and extra-fresh produce, in a friendly, no-fuss neighborhood atmosphere.
Direction Marina du Château
The rest of the tour offers unique views of Brest that will delight photo enthusiasts. The great thing about discovering Brest by bike is that you take the time to stop as you please!
Your destination, Marina du Château, is a marina that also welcomes top sailors for events such as the Jules Verne Trophy, for solo and crewed races.
Stroll along the Lapérouse dike and feel the call of the sea, or sit on a terrace and enjoy an aperitif while soaking up the typical harbor atmosphere.
The Hollywood Boulevard
On the Port des Records promenade on Quai Tabarly, famous record-breaking sailors have left their handprints on a plaque bearing their name.
Brest,
bike city!
Want to extend your discovery of Brest by bike? Take thevéloroute littorale, on the west coast, in the Pays d'Iroise, or get off the main roads and pedal through the smaller neighborhoods. Brest has been awarded the "Ville à vélo" level 3 label.
This distinction is awarded to cities that demonstrate a commitment to and promotion of soft mobility.