What to do in Brest in the rain
The first step is to review your summer wardrobe and don't hesitate to put on your boots, raincoat and sailboat (too cliché, perhaps?). In any case, a good waterproof (but breathable) windbreaker, waterproof shoes and possibly an umbrella will be essential. Brittany can be earned (yes, we've nicked the mountain slogan...) and earned! Once you're ready to face the drops, what do you do? If you're patient enough, you can go for a walk and discover the city in the rain, since you're equipped and, as we say in Brittany, "we're not made of sugar".
But we can see you're coming, so here are some ideas for going out but dry when it rains in Brest.
Les Ateliers des Capucins
The largest covered square in Europe, the Ateliers des Capucins is the ideal place to stay: a media library, shops, food and coffee (one of the best in Brest!), a climbing gym, the 70.8 galerie de l'océan, a cinema, a virtual reality games room, exhibitions... or simply to stroll, relax, play or admire the masterpiece of the French Navy, the Canot de l'Empereur located in the Place des Machines...
The National Maritime Museum
When it rains in Brest, the Musée National de la Marine (National Maritime Museum) takes you on a journey through the city's history, giving you the keys to understanding its close ties with the sea. Located in the Château de Brest, its collections cover the history of all navies, from figureheads to submarines and ocean racing.
The Museum of Fine Arts
Brest and the sea are one and the same, or almost. The collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Brest highlight this relationship and Breton-inspired painting in general. The Nabis movement and the Pont Aven school are well represented.
La Tour Tanguy
Immerse yourself in the history of old Brest, with dioramic reconstructions of what life was like in pre-war Brest. The Tower also bears witness to the city's historical past, dating back to the 14th century.
La PAM
Welcome to Papeterie Armoricaine Morlaisienne, Brest's new "third place". A former printing works that has been brought up to date, and now houses a boutique, restaurants, bar, bakery, bookshop, printing museum, exhibition rooms... a place with a warm atmosphere, ideal for those rainy days in Brest!
Spending time at Dialogues
Dialogues is the reference in Brest for spending time among books. You'll feel so at home, you'll spend hours there! And last but not least, there's even a café offering hot drinks and a bite to eat!
In addition to France's largest independent bookshop, Dialogues also has specialist stores for children, music...
Galleries and art centers
Come rain or shine, Brest will educate and entertain you! Brest's galleries and art centers offer a variety of themes, some of them unusual! Don't hesitate to push open their doors and take in the sights!
Eat a crêpe or drink a hot chocolate
What could be more comforting than a good crêpe, pastry or hot chocolate? As good lichous that we are, we can only recommend a little gourmet break that will even make you appreciate the rain outside!
A gourmet address? Without hesitation, Les Gâteuses, 33 rue Jean Macé
A gourmet AND ideal address with children? Comme les grands, 6 Rue de la 2ème D.B.
Useful info
On rainy days, Océanopolis is very busy. The Ocean Park is often fully booked on the same day, so you'll need to buy your tickets online to reserve your place and plan your visit for another date.