The city of Brest lies in the outermost west of Brittany. It has been an important naval base, the base of the French Atlantic fleet and also an important trading port for centuries.
Besides a number of industry companies there are also important trading companies, universities and research institutes.
After the Romans, many Brits who gave the country its name, immigrated to Brittany. The first small fort was built for the protection against the Normans. In 1683, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban extended the fort into a fortress.
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More InformationBrest was an important supply port for the U.S. troops in the 1st World War. In the 2nd World War, the city was one of the most important bases in the Atlantic Wall.
The city was heavily damaged by bombings and had to be rebuilt according to plans of Jean-Baptiste Mathon. Oceanography makes an important contribution to the economic recovery.
Unfortunately, we had permanent rain during our stay. At our departure the sky shows its rays of sunshine again. However, it suffice for a stroll through the town to see the most important points.
Our starting point is the military harbor, which is spanned by the Pont de la Recouvrance. It is the second largest vertical lift bridge in Europe, after the Pont Gustave Flaubert in Rouen.
Two pontoon bridges next to it alleviate traffic. Right next we find the Chateau, the old fort, which now houses the Musée national de la Marine.
We stay in the Hotel de la Rade, in the Rue de Siam, the main shopping street of Brest. The name Rue de Siam commemorates the arrival of a Thai delegation, which once arrived here before they travelled to King Louis XIV in Versailles.
From our quiet room at the back of the hotel we have a good view of the military harbor. Another advantage of this hotel is the free high-speed Internet access.
Along the Rue de Siam we reach the City Hall, Hotel de Ville. In front of it is the Place de la Liberte, the place de freedom. A monument commemorates the dead of the city Brest.
In the evening you go to the industry port. Due to the rain, it is completely deserted. However, we have discovered a number of a beautiful Street Art.
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