Brest: Historic Walking Tour with Cable Car Tour

Brest , France

Brest: Historic Walking Tour with Cable Car Tour

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in the history of Brest on a guided walking tour full of surprises. Meet your guide at the cable car station and enjoy a 360° view of the city from 72 meters above sea level. Then explore the Capuchin Workshops, former naval hangars where the Emperor’s Canoe, built for Napoleon I, sits. Discover Pontaniou Prison, witness to the French Revolution, then stroll down Rue Saint-Malo, one of the oldest streets in Brest. Walk through the authentic Recouvrance district, once a fishing village, and admire the city from the Jardin des Explorers, which pays homage to Bougainville and the great Brest navigators. Finish with the port, medieval castle and an immersive experience at the Tanguy Tower with headphones. An exciting journey between heritage, sea and adventure stories.

Available options

Brest: Historic Walking Tour with Cable Car Tour

What's included

Cableway charges

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at the Cable Car station and start your tour. The journey takes 3 minutes and reaches an altitude of 72 metres. From the cabin you will enjoy spectacular 360° views of the city.

Then visit Les Ateliers des Capucins, which was originally a boat repair shed.

Continue to Pontaniou Prison, a former prison used during the French Revolution. Take a stroll along Rue Saint-Malo and admire the views of the city.

Discover the district of Recouvrance, formerly called Sainte-Catherine. In the 17th century, it was a small isolated village of Brest, populated by fishermen and artisans.

Then head to the Jardin des Explorers and discover the history of the most famous Brest explorers, such as Bougainville.

Discover the port and admire Brest Castle.

End your visit to Tanguy Tower with an immersive headphones experience.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Brest

Brest is a vibrant port city in northwestern France, known for its rich maritime history and stunning natural landscapes. It offers a unique blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, making it an appealing destination for a variety of travelers.

Top Attractions

Tanguy Tower

A 15th-century tower that is one of the last remnants of the city's medieval fortifications. It offers panoramic views of the city and the harbor.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

National Maritime Museum

A comprehensive museum dedicated to Brest's maritime history, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and the city's role in naval history.

Museum 2-3 hours €10

Oceanopolis

A large aquarium featuring a variety of marine life from different ocean environments, including tropical, temperate, and polar zones.

Nature 3-4 hours €25

Recouvrance Bridge

An iconic double-deck bridge that spans the Penfeld River, offering stunning views of the harbor and city. It is a symbol of Brest's maritime heritage.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Crêpes

Thin pancakes made from buckwheat flour, often filled with savory or sweet ingredients.

Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Kouign-Amann

A buttery, caramelized pastry originating from Brittany, known for its crispy layers and sweet flavor.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Moules-Frites

Mussels cooked in white wine or cream, served with crispy fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian by omitting the mussels

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby forests and coastal paths Kayaking and paddleboarding in the harbor Beachcombing and sunbathing at the local beaches Spa and wellness treatments Visiting the National Maritime Museum Exploring the historic neighborhoods and architecture Boat tours and cruises Swimming and water sports

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Brest, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Brest is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Brest Bretagne Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Brest Railway Station

By bus

Brest Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Brest is comprehensive and efficient, covering most of the city and its surrounding areas. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Saint-Martin Kérangal Europe-Neyrpic

Day trips

Camaret-sur-Mer

30 km • Full day

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic fortifications, and stunning natural landscapes.

Quimper

60 km • Full day

A picturesque medieval city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and traditional Breton culture.

Île de Batz

50 km • Full day

A small island known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and unique flora and fauna.

Festivals

Brest International Maritime Festival • Every four years (next in 2024) Brest Festival • July Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the Tanguy Tower for panoramic views of the city and harbor
Explore the National Maritime Museum to learn about Brest's rich maritime history
Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at the Les Capucins Market
Take a day trip to Camaret-sur-Mer for stunning coastal scenery and historic sites
Attend the Brest International Maritime Festival if visiting during the event