If you're lucky enough to be calling at at the tip of Brittany, be sure to visit the city of Brest, which will surprise you with art, culture and history to suit all tastes and ages. From the most famous to the most discreet, discover our selection of the must-see places in Brest.

Places to see in Brest city centre

Brest city centre can be reached on foot from the Marina du Château, or by bus from the Moulin Blanc harbour.

This makes it easy for yachtsmen calling at Brest to discover the heart of the city.

Brest Castle and the Marine Museum

Located just a few minutes' walk from the marina du Château, Brest Castle has survived 17 centuries and is a privileged witness to the city's history. It is the oldest monument in Brest.

The castle now houses the Marine Museum , which traces the history of the French navy and the Brest arsenal through 15 permanent and temporary exhibition rooms.

Ship models, navigation instruments, furniture and work of arts: the exhibits bear witness to the great maritime adventures.

Don't miss the room dedicated to the La Pérouse expedition, or the impressive room devoted to figureheads.

You can find all the information you need to make your visit a success on the Marine Museum website.

La Pam: an atypical place in a former printing company

La Pam is a third-party space located at 56 rue d'Aiguillon, near rue de Siam. It's a coworking space, a meeting place and a conference venue. But it's much more than that: it's a solidarity bookshop, a designer shop, an artists' studio, and more.

And there's good news for food lovers, too, because the print shop includes:

• a small grocery shop
• an organic bakery
• three restaurants serving fresh local produce

But La Pam also remains true to its origins. Until 2018, it was a printing company, very well known to the people of Brest, which existed for just over 100 years. You'll find a space dedicated to the heritage of printing, with a fine collection of lithographic pieces.

For more information, visit La Pam website.

Rue de Siam

Rue de Siam is the heart of Brest city centre. It stretches from Place de la Liberté to Pont de Recouvrance. Here you'll find shops, restaurants and bars. The latter are mainly located at the bottom of the rue de Siam.

A stroll through the city centre will also give you the chance to discover Marta Pan's black granite fountains, the gateway to the Guépin barracks and the empathic tree in front of the Recouvrance bridge. From here, you can take the cable car to the Ateliers des Capucins, or take the bridge to visit the Tanguy Tower.

Must-see places in Brest, right bank

If you go across to the other side of the Penfeld, you'll discover some places in Brest that are well worth a visit. The little extra? They're free to visit and great fun for the whole family.

Les ateliers des Capucins

Don't miss Europe's largest covered public square in an unusual location.

The Capucins workshops were originally a convent. It was first converted into a hospital in the mid-18th century following an epidemic. In 1791, ownership of the building was transferred to the Navy, which converted it into barracks 10 years later. The convent was then demolished to make way for large workshops for the Navy. They remained in use until very recently.

In 2009, the Navy handed over the workshops to the city of Brest, which decided to turn them into a public space, playing a key role in the cultural and sporting life of Brest.

The Capucins workshops are home to :

• 70.8, a museum for the ocean
• The Emperor's canoe
• A media library
• A cinema
• A climbing gym
• Shops and restaurants
• The Place des Machines, where you can rollerblade, skate or simply walk from machine to machine, witness to the activity of the Brest arsenal.

Rue de Saint-Malo

Located below the Plateau des Capucins in the Recouvrance district, Rue de Saint-Malo is one of the few remaining traces of Brest's old town.

The cobbled street runs alongside traditional 17th-century Breton houses and a 19th-century wash-house. The Cour de la Madeleine, meanwhile, was home to the Refuge Royal, where the woman known as La Belle Tamisier passed through its walls.

Today, the Vivre La Rue association offers cultural and musical events not to be missed.

Tanguy Tower

Next to the Recouvrance bridge, on the right bank opposite Brest castle, stands the proud Tanguy tower. Built in the 14th century, over the course of its history it has been occupied by the English, destroyed, rebuilt and renovated.

It is now home to a museum of the old town, with magnificent dioramas by Jim-E. Sévellec and a beautiful scenography for an immersive visit.

A special bonus: the 360° view of Brest from the top floor of the tower.

Must-see places in Brest: Marina du Moulin Blanc side

If you are calling at the Marina du Moulin Blanc, you'll have the chance to choose between two completely different locations.

Stang-Alar Valley

Near the Marina du Moulin Blanc is the Stang-Alar valley, a large nature reserve of around 40 hectares where you can enjoy a walk along the river that marks the border between the towns of Brest and Guipavas.

The site is home to the garden of the Brest National Botanical Conservatory, whose main mission is to preserve endangered wild plant species. With an impressive diversity of nearly 2,500 species, get ready for a real tour of the plant world!

Océanopolis

A must-see in Brest: Océanopolis. Just a few minutes' walk from the visitors' pontoon, this major scientific culture centre dedicated to the ocean welcomes you all year round to the delight of young and old alike.

You'll discover three sections (Brittany, Tropical and Polar) with around fifty aquariums, including the shark tank, the seal tank and the minilab.

Allow at least three hours for your visit, and to avoid queuing at the entrance to the park, you can buy your tickets online.

Your visit to Brest's must-see locations is sure to be an exciting one, with activities to suit all ages. See you soon in Brest!

If you're calling at Brest, it's essential to understand the customs formalities that apply to you. Customs regulations apply to all yachtsmen and yachtswomen, whether they are sailing small sailing boats or larger yachts. These formalities are designed to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations in force when entering and leaving French territory.

Customs formalities for yachts calling at Brest: who is affected?

Border checks are compulsory if:

• You are entering France by sea from a country that is not part of the Schengen area.
• You are leaving France by sea for a country outside the Schengen area.

These customs formalities apply whether you are sailing on your own boat or on a charter boat.

All persons on board are subject to border checks, regardless of their nationality.

What documents do I need to clear customs?

Before calling at Brest, you must send the entry or exit form by e-mail to the customs office, with a copy to the Brest marina concerned by your call.

This form contains all the important information concerning your arrival in Brest, the boat and the people on board. It must be sent to customs at least 24 hours before your arrival.

You will then be contacted by customs officers who will arrange to meet you at the Brest customs office.

At this appointment, each passenger must have a valid passport. Make sure you also bring the boat's papers.

Where is the customs office in Brest?

The Brest customs office is located at 14 quai de la douane, just a few minutes' walk from Marina du Château.

What other maritime border crossings are there in Brittany?

Brittany has 6 maritime border crossings:

• Saint-Malo
• Saint-Brieuc
• Roscoff
• Brest
• Lorient
• Saint-Nazaire

Do you have a question about customs formalities? Visit the customs website. You can also contact us at any time!

Whether you're an experienced sailor or a budding yachtsman, Brest's marinas welcome you all year round. Discover Brest, its bay and two marinas!

Marina du Château, Marina du Moulin Blanc : which marina to choose ?

Brest's marinas have different characteristics. Depending on your needs, one of them will be best suited to your stay. We explain everything to help you make your choice.

A stopover at Marina du Château

Marina du Château is the first marina that you can go to when arriving at Brest. The marina is ideally located close to the city-center.

It is well protected by the military harbor, making it an ideal stopover whatever the weather.

Near Marina du Château :

• Restaurants and bars to discover the local gastronomy and atmosphere.
• Customs office: just a few minutes' walk from Marina du Château.
• The train station: just a 15-minute walk from the port!
• The Musée de la Marine: located just above the marina, a 5-minute walk away. The perfect opportunity to discover Brest's maritime history.
• Rue de Siam and the city-center: a 15-minute walk will take you to the city center.
• Cable car: beyond rue de Siam, you can easily take the cable car to the ateliers des Capucins.
• Public transport: you'll find bus stops at the commercial harbour and in the city-center, where you can also take the tram to get around Brest quickly.

A stopover at Marina du Moulin Blanc

The Marina du Moulin Blanc is located at the mouth of the River Élorn.

Situated next to Océanopolis and the Stang-Alar valley, the marina is perfect for a quiet stopover.

The port has a handling service and a careening area, which can be useful if you have technical needs.

Near Marina du Moulin Blanc:

• Restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the local cuisine and typical Brest atmosphere.
• Sailmakers, shipyards, dealers: many yachting professionals are located not far from the marina, and will be able to meet your needs.
• Océanopolis: the scientific culture centre dedicated to the ocean, a must-see in Brest.
• The Stang-Alar valley: enjoy a peaceful stroll in the valley. You can also visit the botanical garden of Brest.

Calling at Brest: procedure for entering the marina

To ensure that your arrival goes as smoothly as possible, here is the procedure to follow when you arrive near the marina you wish to call at:

• Call by radio on channel 9: give the name of your boat, its dimensions and the duration of your stay.

The marina teams will show you a suitable berth either in the annual contract pontoon, or on the visitor pontoon.
During the season, we do our best to meet you on the water and accompany you to your berth. However, if it is very busy, you may have to wait for a while, or you may be asked to go to your berth on your own.
Out of season, or outside harbour office opening hours, you can moor directly at the visitor pontoon.

• Register with the harbour office: whether you have called at Brest before or are coming for the first time, you need to register with the harbour office.

Make sure you have the boat's papers so that you can fill in your port of call form correctly.
It's also when you check in that you'll get the access codes for the pontoons and toilets, the wifi code, and all the information you need for your stay in Brest.

• Declare yourself at the customs office: if you are coming from outside the Schengen area, you must declare yourself at the customs office located 3 minutes' walk from the Marina du Château at 14 quai de la douane.

Special case: the quai du Commandant Malbert at the Marina du Château.

Reserved for larger vessels, the Quai Malbert pontoon is located within the commercial harbour. If you are allocated this berth by the harbour agents, you should call the Marina on channel 9 when you arrive, and then channel 12 to inform the commercial port of your arrival.

What to do in Brest during a stopover

There's plenty to see and do in Brest, even if you're only staying a few days.

Sports activities

Would you like to do some sport during your holidays? Here are a few ideas for activities that will allow you to discover Brest at the same time:

• Nautical activities: kayak, paddle, light sailing, sail in Brest harbour thanks to Brest Bretagne Nautisme.
• Cycling : hire a bike to discover Brest and the surrounding area.
• Swimming pools: there are several swimming pools in Brest where you can go swimming. You'll find the Spadium Parc close to the Moulin Blanc harbour.
• Hiking: take the GR34 and discover the coastal paths from Brest.

Cultural activities

Brest is a dynamic city in terms of culture. There's something for everyone.

You can enjoy a show at Le Quartz, the Maritime Festival of Brest, held every four years, or the museums and historic sites in the city centre.

The must-see places in Brest are :

• Océanopolis
• The botanical garden
• The Musée de la Marine
• The Arts Museum
• The Sadi Carnot shelter
• The ateliers des Capucins home in particular to the 70.8 by Océanopolis and the Emprereur rowing boat
• The Rue de Saint-Malo
• Tanguy tower
• The maison de la Fontaine (Fountain House)
• The jardin des Explorateurs (Explorers Garden)

See you soon on the pontoons!

The Brest marinas are committed to providing solutions to help protect the environment and prevent pollution. As part of this commitment, you can buy absorbent sheets suitable for pleasure boats at each harbour office, which can be placed around fuel tanks to limit fuel leaks. Find out more about the benefits of this reusable product.

Special absorbent sheets for yachting, for pollution-free refuelling

Absorbent sheets are ideal for pleasure boats.

They have a hole in the centre and should be placed around the fuel tank when refuelling.

They quickly absorb any small leaks, which not only protects the environment but also keeps the boat clean.

These absorbent sheets are reusable and can be stored in airtight containers between uses.

Price: €1 per sheet.

Pollution in marinas

The most common types of pollution found in marinas come directly from the activities of pleasure boaters. The main pollutants are black and grey water, and fuel. The Brest marinas therefore want to put in place solutions to help harbour users protect their environment.

Fuel stations in marinas are always sources of pollution, to varying degrees. Fuel leaks are frequent. Diesel spreads very quickly on the surface of the water and evaporates within 24 to 48 hours. Petrol, on the other hand, evaporates more quickly, but is more dangerous because of the high risk of explosion. Fuel spilt in the sea is also highly toxic for biodiversity.

There is no such thing as a zero risk of spillage, but Brest's marinas want to keep pollution within their harbours to a minimum. That's why they are putting absorbent sheets on sale this year.

The Brest marinas, which are certified as Clean and Active in Biodiversity Harbours, are carrying out a number of initiatives to protect the environment, including the installation of MéGO! ashtrays, collaboration with the Roscoff biological station and Le Cèdre, and training teams in ways of combating oil pollution. Absorbent sheets are the new thing to discover!

It's easy to get hold of the sorbent sheets: they're on sale at every port.

Need more information? Just get in touch!

The Arkea Ultim Challenge, which set off from Brest on the 7 January, drew crowds to the village set up for the occasion and at the start. With its clean village and a stand to raise awareness of marine pollution, the race is committed to the environment and ecology. But that's not all! The six competing skippers will have to avoid certain areas that are off-limits to sailing: cetacean protection zones. Come aboard with us to find out why this new measure is particularly important for the ecology and the world of ocean racing.

Cetacean protection zones

The keenest observers following the Arkea Ultim Challenge will have noticed on the race map that certain zones are off-limits to sailing.

These zones are designed to protect cetaceans, and the six skippers taking part in the race are forbidden to cross them - a first in the history of ocean racing!

There are 6 off-limits areas on the route of this round-the-world voyage, and they have been defined by the Share the Ocean scientific consortium. They are breeding and feeding grounds for cetaceans, as well as busy passages on the migratory routes. They are located in the Azores, the Canaries, off Cape Verde, the Cape of Good Hope, east of Kerguelen Island and Cape Horn.

The aim of the race directors is twofold:

• Protecting marine megafauna, which is essential to the proper functioning of ecosystems and the maintenance of biodiversity.
• Reduce the risk of collisions between racing boats and cetaceans. In this way, the Arkea Ultim Challenge enhances the safety of skippers at sea, and reduces the risk of injury or death to an animal.

The trimarans are equipped with devices that emit noises at frequencies that keep animals away, but they are not 100% effective and the risk of collision remains high. Defining zones that skippers will not be able to cross is therefore a very good thing.

Depending on the region and the season, cetacean protection zones are home to blue whales, killer whales, dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales and southern right whales, which can be up to 18 metres long.

Ocean racing and ecology: tomorrow's challenge?

Sailing is a sport with a very clean, green image. There's nothing sweeter than moving with the wind.

But the reality is quite different. The carbon impact of boat building and the logistics of ocean racing events is significant.

But awareness is growing in front of the collapse of biodiversity and climate change. As a result, Stanislas Thuret has decided to retire from ocean racing in 2023: "The climate emergency and the collapse of biodiversity are incompatible with the way we live ocean racing and competition." He adds that he no longer wants "unlimited competition in terms of performance".

This sailor is also one of the people behind the La Vague collective, whose mission is to change sailing practices to limit their ecological impact.

The cetacean protection zones in the Arkea Ultim Challenge illustrate a growing desire to do the right thing and a desire to move the boundaries in the world of ocean racing. What's even more interesting is that this desire comes from within, and from people who know this field very well, like the La Vague collective.

In a world that is always looking to break speed records and outdo itself from a technological point of view, the challenges of tomorrow will certainly be just as ecological, with perhaps a winner whose carbon footprint from the construction of the boat to the race would be taken into account.

In the echo of the Atlantic waves, where the salty air merges with the dream of great horizons, Brest stands as a prelude to oceanic adventures.

A Breton port steeped in the history of the great explorations, the maritime city is the stage for the boldest dreams of intrepid sailors.

It is from these quays that the Arkea Ultim Challenge sets off, a frantic race towards the three emblematic capes: the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn, with a return to Brest around 40 days later. The ideal opportunity to learn a little more about these three legendary capes.

The Cape of Good Hope : the cape of storms

The Cape of Good Hope, crowned with legends and swept by indomitable winds, is the first cape to be crossed by the Arkea Ultim Challenge.

Throughout the ages, the cape has witnessed numerous shipwrecks. The waters surrounding this South African region are said to contain a considerable number of shipwrecks, suggesting a density of around one wreck per kilometre of coastline. For the most part, these remains are the silent witnesses of the great European explorations and expeditions with tragic fates, particularly those bound for India and Asia.

In the 15th century, the Portuguese embarked on a daring exploration, dreaming of a route to India woven between the stormy waves of the cape. Bartolomeu Dias, in his quest for this route to the riches of the Orient, faced down furious winds and christened the place "Cabo das Tormentas" - the Cape of Storms. The king preferred to see it as a happy harbinger of glory and wealth. So he named it the "Cape of Good Hope".

The Cape of Good Hope is also believed to be the site of the shipwreck of the legendary Flying Dutchman.

The Cape Leeuwin : where oceans meet

Cape Leeuwin, the gateway between the Indian and Southern Oceans, is a gentle transition from the tumult of the Cape of Good Hope.

There are no epic maritime tragedies here, but rather a history marked by the discovery of Australian lands. In December 1801, Matthew Flinders named the cape after the Dutch ship "Leeuwin" (meaning "Lioness" in Dutch). This ship, which explored and mapped a portion of Australia's south-west coast in March 1622, was the seventh European vessel to sail to the Australian continent.

The Wardandi Aborigines were the first inhabitants of the region, and called the place "Doogalup".

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, inaugurated in 1896, is the most south-westerly lighthouse on the Australian continent.

The Cape Horn : where the seas run wild, legends are born

Cape Horn, the legendary promontory between the Pacific and the Atlantic, is a thrill for even the most seasoned sailors. The passage between the South Seas and the Atlantic is marked by frequent gales, creating an impressive dance where the sea roars with force.

In the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company held a monopoly on Dutch commercial transport via the Strait of Magellan and the Cape of Good Hope, the only two known routes to the Far East at the time.

Looking for an alternative to break this monopoly, the Dutch merchant Jacob Le Maire, accompanied by the navigator Willem Schouten, set off on an expedition to Tierra del Fuego. Supported by the Dutch town of Hoorn, the expedition left the port with two ships, the Eendracht and the Hoorn, in May 1615. They discovered the cape and named it after their home town.

Although Schouten and Le Maire are officially the first to cross the cape, it is possible that other European sailors, such as Francis Drake, have already done so.

The Arkea Ultim Challenge will undoubtedly be a spectacular ocean race starting from Brest, known as the port of records at the tip of Brittany. Come and discover the giants of the seas moored along the Quai Malbert, take advantage of the village set up for the occasion, and follow the race news on the Arkea Ultim Challenge website.

The arrival of winter marks the end of the sailing season. It's also a crucial time to prepare your boat for the rigours of the winter season. Storm Ciaran, which blew in at the beginning of November, did not spare Brest's marinas: damaged boats, damaged infrastructure, and so on. To avoid such damage in the future, let's take a look at the essential steps you need to take to secure your boat for winter, and the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the year.

Protecting your boat moored at the pontoon for the winter

Before leaving the pontoons, yachtsmen need to make sure their boat is safe, and this requires a little preparation.

Check the boat's mooring

The condition of your boat's moorings is essential if it is to get through the winter season without a hitch. So make sure the mooring lines are in good condition, with no signs of weakness or deterioration. Adjust them correctly to avoid excessive movement caused by strong winds. A solid mooring ensures your boat's stability all year round.

In winter, double your mooring lines. Strong winds can generate significant forces on the boat, and doubling the mooring lines reduces the risk of the boat coming loose from its mooring or sustaining damage. Moorings can also suffer damage over time due to exposure to the elements, wear and tear or unforeseen factors. Doubling up on mooring lines provides an extra layer of safety in the event of failure of an individual mooring line.

Check the fenders

To protect your boat's hull as effectively as possible, it's important to use sufficient fenders in good condition. Make sure they're properly moored so they don't fall overboard.

Put fenders between your boat and your neighbour's boat. This will protect your boat's hull better in gales and when manoeuvring in the harbour.

Fenders that are too damaged should be replaced.

Clear the sails

The best thing to do is to take the sails off the boat for the winter and store them in a dry place. This prevents them from unfurling and tearing in the wind. The other advantage is that this precaution will help to extend the life of your sails.

If you do leave the mainsail, make sure it's properly furled and protected.

Remove anything that catches the wind

Before winter sets in, or before you leave your boat for a long period, remove all small items of equipment from the cockpit: fishing rods, tenders, or any other accessory likely to cause damage by rubbing or catching the wind.

Don't forget to remove anything that is caught in the wind: biminis, awnings, deck tops, etc. A clear hull reduces the risk of unnecessary damage during the winter.

Securing your boat on land for the winter

Boats wintered on land must also be secured. The sails and anything that catches the wind must be removed.

During the Ciaran storm, several boats on the Moulin Blanc Marina fell over. Some of them were set on personal craddles. To ensure everyone's safety in the future, boats will only be set on the harbour craddles (except those with shaped craddles or Nautipark craddles).

Smaller boats are sometimes stored on their trailers. When this happens, it's essential to put on the brakes and add chocks to prevent the boat from shifting, as happened to two of them during the last storm.

Stay vigilant all year round

Vigilance throughout the year, and particularly during the winter season, is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your boat and those around it.

Regular visits to your boat

Even during the winter, take the time to visit the boat regularly. Check that the mooring is still secure and that no problems have arisen. This will enable you to detect any signs of damage or anomalies quickly.

Report any anomalies to the harbour office

Sharing responsibility for the safety of all boats in the marina is essential. If you notice anything wrong with your boat or a neighbour's, report it immediately to the harbour office. Prompt action can prevent accidents and protect all harbour users.

Securing your boat for the winter, whether it's moored to the pontoon or stored ashore, is essential to prevent it being damaged. By remaining vigilant and fostering a culture of collective safety, every boater helps to keep the marina safe. Enjoy the winter and look forward to a new sailing season full of new discoveries!

The plankton trail is the new tool of the participative objective plankton program.

océanopolis proposes a playful scientific walk to discover plankton in augmented reality. These "virtual fishermen" equipped with their smartphones and thanks to the mobile application "Street science" will be able to collect plankton and discover the richness of the roadstead of Brest.

To play, the walkers go on the mobile application and choose "objective plankton in the roadstead of Brest", they are then invited to scan 10 signs positioned from the statue "memory" to the beach of Moulin Blanc.

The planktonic organisms will reveal themselves to the eyes of the participants in augmented reality. Among all the species present is an intruder, can you guess which one ?

This Sunday, April 30, will be held at the visitor's pontoon of the Moulin Blanc Marina, the departure party of the Arvik Ocean Expedition. The public will be welcomed from 2 to 5 pm.

"Whale Being" project

Cetaceans are, nowadays, more and more threatened by fishing, this expedition aims to find solution in Northern Europe.

An observation

Cetaceans are now threatened with extinction. Indeed, the number of strandings of marine mammals is clearly increasing and no concrete measures are taken to safeguard them. Approximately 400 dolphins have stranded on our coasts since December, and more than 500 000 cetaceans are victims of fishing gear every year.

The mission

The main goal of this mission is to contribute to research to understand the impacts of fishing on cetaceans and to document the actions of two NGOs (Sussex Dolphin and Whale Wise) in Northern Europe.

The sailing boat Arvik Ocean will embark the teams of the NGOs to facilitate their actions. They will exchange information to better understand the stakes and impacts of the cetacean fishing and document the actions taken. They wish to transmit their discoveries to the general public.

The routes

• April - May : departure of the expedition, France
• may : mission with Sussex Dolphin, England
• July : mission with Whale Wise, Iceland
• September : end of the expedition, return to France

To follow the mission

Social networks :

• Instagram : @arvikocean
• Facebook : @arvikocean

Website :

• www.arvikocean.org

Contact :

• Mail : crew@arvikocean.org

The ifremer centre makes a call to the public to report green microalgae blooms on the Brittany coast. Indeed, this phenomen has already occurred in previous years, but never so early.

A "BLOOM"

This is an evocative name for a phenomen that can be surprising when walking along the coast. It is nevertheless exceptional, occuring in spring when the sunshine and water temperature favour the growth of microalgae. This phenomen is potentially harmful for marine fauna.

The appearance of this green, red or brown water is unpredictable. Hence the importance of reporting this phenomen as soon as possible to the Ifremer scientist so that he can take a sample or call 02.98.22.44.99.

"We encourage citizens who see coloured water to take a small quantity in a bottle and bring it to the nearest Ifremer station or relay structure as soon as possible", Anne Donner, coordinator of the Phenomer preogramme.

During a walk in the city center of Brest, you can admire many unusual monuments. The street of Siam itself is a nice demonstration. This completely pedestrian street will allow you to stroll between the numerous stores or to sit by one of the many fountains.

The fountains of Marta Pan

The fountains show the will of the municipality to embellish the city of Brest. Fountains made of black granite from South Africa are a good way to refresh oneself during good weather.

Door of the old Guépin barracks

As you continue your walk you may come across the door of the old barracks of Brest. This emblematic element of the Brest panorama represents the old city and a part of its history.

Commemorative stele

Located at the entrance to a large square that is pleasant for relaxing or playing with children, this stele commemorates the 29th american infantry division.

The Bazeilles Square

This pretty square will allow you to admire a panorama on the arsenal of Brest, nice new infrastructures will allow your children to play, and remains of the old Fautras barracks will let you imagine the old Brest.

The empathetic tree

Modern réalisation of the Brest infrastructure, this tree strewn with plants wants to bring back the nature in the city center.

Monument to the dead

A monument to the fallen that leads the way to place de la Liberté.

place de la Liberté

Updated to make it more accessible and warm, this place (which name literally means "Freedom square") will welcome you with pleasure to rest in a green space, or to have a meal in one of the restaurants around.

Kennedy garden

If you like skateboarding or just walking, this garden is perfect for you. With the inauguration of a brand new skate park this garden knows how to be updated and revitalise.

Maison de la Fontaine (Fountain House)

Come and discover one of the rare vestiges of the old Brest where exhibitions, meetings with artists and artistic residences are organized.

Cable car

Ideal if you want to cross the riverbank quickly, this cable car joins the two banks and will drop you off in the heart of the Capucins. Enjoy the breathtaking view during your trip.

Ateliers des Capucins

Located in a former military workshop that has been completely renovated, this building has kept the charm of the past with the machines still visible and large relaxation areas. Several small shops have been set up here, as well as a library, a café-restaurant and more recently a cinema. Its belvedere offers a breathtaking view of the Penfeld.

It is one of the must-see places in Brest.

Bridge of recouvrance

Overlooking the arsenal and the military port, it connects the bottom of the rue de Siam to the Recouvrance district. It also offers a beautiful view of the Brest arsenal.

Tanguy tower

Built in the 14th century on the banks of the Penfeld, the Tanguy Tower proudly faces the castle of Brest. Today, it houses dioramas by Brest artist Jim Sévellec, which will allow you to discover the great moments of the history of the city, and the daily life of its inhabitants.

Garden of explorers

Ideal for a short walk, this garden will allow you to stretch your legs while enjoying an exceptional view of the Penfeld and the harbor of Brest.

Saint-Malo street

Located below the plateau des Capucins in the Recouvrance district, the Saint-Malo street is the only trace of the old Brest.

The paved street runs alongside old traditional Breton houses dating from the 17th century, and a 19th century wash house. As for the Madeleine courtyard, it was home to the Refuge Royal which saw the so-called Belle Tamisier pass through its walls.

Today, the association Vivre La Rue offers cultural and musical events not to be missed.

Sadi Carnot shelter

The Sadi Carnot shelter is a place of memory of the Second World War, during which it was the main underground shelter.

Unfortunately, on the night of September 9th 1944, several hundred people from Brest were killed in an explosion. Today, the Sadi Carnot shelter is an exhibition space that will not leave you indifferent.

The map

The Brest marinas have started the year with a new communication support aimed at annual or visiting yachtsmen : the yachtsmen's charter. Available in several forms, it aims to remind people of good practices on the pontoons and around the marina.

A few gestures to live well together

The yachtsmen's charter is available in the offices of Brest's Marinas, and is distributed to all new yahctsmen who obtain an annual contract. It reminds us of simple gestures to improve life on the pontoons and respect the environment.

Boaters will therefore find :

• Reminders concerning noise pollution or cleanliness of the premises
• Reminders about the safety of boats at the pontoon
• Incentives to make good use of port structures, such as the blue stations in order to preserve the environment.

This last point is particulary important given that Brest's marinas have been awarded the Clean Ports Active in biodiversity label

A charter in several formats

Yachtsmen will discover the charter in several formats, including a map reminding them of the good practices of life in the port at the top of the gates leading to the pontoons.

Discover the visuals here :

After two days of auditing, the Brest Marinas have been rewarded for their work by obtaining the renewal of the Clean and Active for Biodiversity Harbours certification (Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité). This certification is specific to marinas and validates the actions taken to limit the impact of the harbour's activity on the environment.

Clean and Active for Biodiversity Harbours Label

This European Certification (Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité) specifically concerns marinas and rewards their efforts for environmental protection and sustainable development. The approach is voluntary on the part of the marinas mangers. For this to happen, certain criteria must be met such as:

• have a trained staff who is familiar with procedures and equipment in the event of marine pollution;
• have a careening area with a system for recovering and treating polluted water when working on the hulls of boats;
• have a blue station for pumping out black and bilge water;
• have waste collection points, and containers for soiled products;
• have one or more sanitary blocks to avoid discharging grey water intor the harbour.

To date, 100 marinas have been certified as Clean Harbours, and 39, including the two marinas in Brest, have been awarded the complementary Active for Biodiversity label.

Actions carried out in Brest Marinas

Several actions are carried out in each of Brest's harbour such as :

• participation in the "I sail, I sort" action : a programme created in 2011 which is dedicated to the prevention of marine waste and aims to develop recycling;
• the sale of special absorbent sheets for yachting;
• free supply of pocket ashtrays, and the installation of MéGO! ashtrays, a company that collects and recycles cigarette butts, in the vicinity of each harbour office;
• the collaboration with Roscoff biological station, which regularly carries out checks on invasive species;
• the installation of rainwater harversters;
• the collaboration with Cedre, which tests the degradation and aborption of pollutants from certain waste products, and which has trained the marinas teams in oil spill response methods.

The teams of the Château Marina and Moulin Blanc Marina continue to carry out actions within the framework of this certification, and count on all the users of the marinas, from the yachtsman to the simple walker, to limit waste, discharges and protect the environment.

Brest marinas teams regularly have to deal with small-scale pollution in the ports. To help them deal with this type of situation, Cedre provided them with two days of training in oil spill response techniques.

What is Cedre?

Located in the Moulin Blanc harbour, Cedre is an expert in accidental water pollution, from upstream preparation to the restoration of environments after accidents. It operates both in France and abroad.

Its missions are to provide expertise and advice to entities in charge of water pollution control. Cedre has also been mandated by the Ministry of Ecology to lead the network for monitoring macro- and micro-plastic waste on the coastline.

Cedre is also a training centre for professionals in the fight against accidental oil pollution. It is in this capacity that Cedre has intervened in Brest marinas.

Understanding accidental pollution in marinas

To keep the harbour clean, it is necessary to identify and understand the various possible pollutions in order to implement the right technical means.

The pollutions that we find most frequently in marinas are :

• black and grey waters;
• fuels;
• natural and urban outfalls.

Faced with this, there are difficulties in managing pollution linked to the environment:

• rip-rap, which is difficult to protect and clean;
• pontoons, under which pollution can go;
• boats moored to pontoons, which can end up in the middle of pollution.

The port agents, supervised by Cedre trainers, were able to test different equipments in the Moulin Blanc harbour in order to learn how to contain and clean up an oil spill. The simulation on our infrastructures allowed the team to better understand the progress of such an operation, and to identify the elements of the site that could be problematic for the deployment of the different floating booms.

Rice husks were used to simulate a fuel leak.

Cedre also has a technical platform where our teams were able to practice identifying sources of pollution, and handling the booms to contain and clean up the pollution.

What to remember about oil spill response techniques:

• floating booms are not 100% efficient, there will always be losses;
• diesel spreads very quickly, but evaporates in 24 to 48 hours;
• petrol evaporates faster than diesel. However, in the event of a large leak, the area must be evacuated as there is a risk of explosion;
• it is essential to identify the source of a spill quickly in order to be effective.

Equipments in Brest marinas to prevent pollution

The majority of pollution comes from ships moored in the port. These include ships that empty their bilges in the harbour, or those with overflowing fuel tanks.

To prevent boaters from polluting the marinas themselves, the Brest marinas provide various facilities:

• a careening area;
• a black water and grey water station;
• a fuel station with retention grids;
• a waste disposal centre with containers for soiled products;
• a rubish dump at the top of the Moulin Blanc careening dock.

In addition, boaters will also find underground containers for household waste, cardboard and glass. Ashtrays have also been installed along the Moulin Blanc promenade and near the sanitary facilities in both harbours.

Brest marinas have been awarded the Ports Propres Actifs en biodiversité label (Clean and Active for biodiversity Harbour Label) thanks to what have been put in place to protect the environment. But to go further in the process, it is necessary for everyone to make an effort by systematically using the equipment available.