Are you tired of the usual Paris? Here are the tips for a trip to an alternative France: Brest, in the Finistère region.
Have you been to Paris before?
If the answer is yes, you definitely need to move west for one now escape to an alternative France, in the city of Brest.
Do not be frightened by its humid climate, because this cannot extinguish what the city, located in Finistère region, has to offer, indeed it almost adds to the charm.
The streets of Brest
The main roads, Rue de Siam and Rue Jean Jaures, they are the best place to keep your credit card warm, in fact there are rumored to be shops and boutiques one for every day of the year!
Once you leave the main road you get lost in the greenery of this city: Mathon Square - at the top of Rue de Siam - is home to one of the city's few remaining old pieces, while the side streets, covered in murals, lead to tree-lined suburbs, parks and monuments.
The nautical tradition of Brest
Importantly, if you arrive in Brest without getting on a ship, you are sure that you have never really visited this city.
Indeed Brest is proud of its nautical heritage: during the summer months you can enjoy one dinner on a cruise ship which takes you around the sheltered bay.
The city is also home to a naval base and a training school. And if you are lucky enough to be there in July, you can attend the Brest maritime festival, one of the biggest events in the city, with shipbuilding competitions, cultural exhibitions, food stands and, of course, tons of boats!
What to see in the surroundings
Surely in a weekend this city has a lot to offer you, but visiting the surrounding areas is not to be missed either!
A 25 kilometer journey through golden sandy beaches and small coastal villages will take you to the city of Plougonvelin.
In just one hundred and sixty-three steps, you will reach the top of one of the city's treasures, the St Mathieu Lighthouse. The walk is tough but you will be rewarded with a sky-high view of the crashing waves and craggy rocks of the Breton coast and islands beyond.
For plant lovers I recommend a visit to National Botanival Conservatoru, one of the largest in Europe, working to preserve endangered species.
For ocean lovers, on the other hand, a visit to theOcèanopolis: a gigantic museum dedicated to the sea, which houses many sea creatures and invites you to learn about the various marine habitats of the world, there is even a seal clinic!
Where to eat
The city is also famous for its restaurants, many of which are also well-known outside the country. For those who know meat and seafood dishes will be particularly satisfied with the choice of dishes in local restaurants.
Le Bouche in Oreille is the restaurant for you, it never ceases to amaze its visitors with a wide choice of dishes. Tourists are usually the main guests of this establishment (look at the prices), and it is a great resting place for the whole family.
During the free time spent here, you will be offered to try various salads and delicious desserts.
Another restaurant to try is Le Ruffé, dedicated to national cuisine. Here you will taste typical dishes of French cuisine, prepared according to classic recipes.
In short, if you are fed up with the usual Paris, Brest is certainly a valid alternative, a maritime city that can trace its roots back to the third century, when the Romans built a fortress here.
Brest has a lively, nautical character, where you can breathe a pleasant air. With a full calendar of events providing entertainment to visitors year round, any time is good to come and explore this city of nautical history and beauty.
