5 sites to immerse yourself in Brest's history
Brest, Ville d'Art et d'Histoire, boasts a rare heritage in rebuilt cities. We suggest you visit these 5 sites to discover the history of Brest, deeply marked by the Second World War. Located in the same district, you can walk from one to the other.
The Château de Brest and the Musée national de la Marine
Standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, the Château de Brest bears witness to 17 centuries of history.
The Château de Brest has been modified, enlarged and strengthened several times, and has never ceased to fulfil its vocation as a military fortress.
Today, the Château houses the Préfecture Maritime and, since 1955, the Musée National de la Marine.
The museum retraces the history of the Brest Arsenal and the French Navy through 15 permanent and temporary exhibition rooms. You can also explore the open-air museum from its belvederes, which offer exceptional panoramic views over the harbor, the ports and the city.
The Tour Tanguy, 600 years of Brest history
Opposite the Château, the Tour Tanguy also stands on a rocky knoll. Built in the 14th century, this sentinel over the Penfeld is a landmark of Brest's heritage. Today, it houses an immersive diorama tour that plunges you into the history of the Cité du Ponant: a unique discovery and a real journey back in time! To make sure you don't miss a thing, opt for the Tourist Office's guided tour!
Les Ateliers des Capucins
Located on Brest's right bank, it's a unique site that has lived several lives. Originally a convent built by Vauban, it became the property of the French Navy after the Revolution, housing a barracks for apprentice gunners. Then, at the end of the 19th century, the site became home to ship assembly and repair workshops. Today, the Ateliers des Capucins is an XXL "tiers-lieu", a covered melting pot open 7 days a week, offering a host of activities for young and
old alike. A must-see for its history, originality and perfect blend of city heritage and modernity. And to complete the experience, take the cable car up to the site!
Saint-Malo Street
There's a timeless place in Brest, a street nestled deep in the Recouvrance district, the only one to have survived the bombardments that disfigured the city during the Second World War. Rue Saint-Malo and its 1690 houses, built at the time for naval workers, bear witness to the popular
old Brest. This special district, which has also resisted urban modernization, owes its survival to the Vivre la Rue association, headed by Mireille Cann. All year round, events and street art enliven its cobblestones, attracting visitors in search of authenticity. A must-see site, just a stone's throw from the Ateliers des Capucins and the cable car.
Sadi Carnot Shelter
This place of remembrance is a must-see for anyone interested in Brest's history.
TheAbri Sadi Carnot, built to protect civilians from attack during the Second World War, was the scene of a tragic fire on the night of September 9, 1944. Thanks to the work of a group of historians and citizens, the site has now been made accessible to the public, with a scenography that makes ample room for eyewitness accounts. We recommend that you take a guided tour of the Abri Sadi Carnot to experience the full emotion of the site.