Plabennec, Francia

Whether you’re flying in or traveling by train, Brest offers a rich array of activities and easy connections to and from major cities. Enjoy your summer exploration of this city!

August is a splendid time to visit Brest, a vibrant city in Brittany, France. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy:
• Les Jeudis du Port: Every Thursday evening, the Port of Brest hosts live music and entertainment, attracting locals and tourists alike. It's a great opportunity to experience the lively Breton culture.
• Festival Atlantique Jazz: Jazz enthusiasts will love the Atlantique Jazz Festival, featuring performances from renowned artists in various venues across the city.
• Océanopolis: This large aquarium is perfect for families, showcasing marine life from different oceanic environments. It’s educational and fascinating for visitors of all ages.
• Coastal Hikes: Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and explore the scenic coastal trails. The GR34, also known as the Sentier des Douaniers, offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
• Boat Tours: Enjoy a boat trip around the harbor or to the nearby islands, such as Île d'Ouessant or Île de Molène, for a day of adventure and discovery.

Brest, located in the scenic region of Brittany, France, offers numerous beautiful beaches within an hour's drive. Here are some of the highlights:
- Plage du Petit Minou (Little cat beach)
Situated just 20 minutes from Brest, this beach is renowned for its picturesque lighthouse and excellent surfing conditions. The rocky coastline and crystal-clear waters make it a favorite among locals and tourists.
- Plage de Sainte-Anne-la-Palud
Approximately 45 minutes from Brest, this long sandy beach is perfect for a family day out. The gentle waves and wide shore are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games.
- Plage des Blancs Sablons (White sand beach)
Located near Le Conquet, about 30 minutes from Brest, this beach is known for its stunning white sands and dramatic cliffs. It’s an excellent spot for windsurfing and kite surfing.

For history enthusiasts, the region around Brest boasts several remarkable castles. Here are a few must-visit sites:
- Château de Kergroadez
Just 25 minutes from Brest, this 17th-century castle offers guided tours and special events throughout the year. Explore its well-preserved architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Château de Trévarez
Located about an hour from Brest, this grand château is known for its stunning pink facade and expansive grounds. The castle hosts various exhibitions and cultural events.
- Château de Kerjean
A 16th-century fortress situated approximately 50 minutes from Brest, Château de Kerjean features beautiful Renaissance architecture and interactive exhibits that bring its history to life.
- Just a 20-minute drive from home, you'll find our favorite beach:Plage de Lilia
This charming beach offers a serene environment with clear waters and soft sands. It’s perfect for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of Brittany.
While visiting Lilia, be sure to check out these two excellent dining spots:
- La Crêperie du Phare (Lighthouse crepes)
This delightful creperie offers a range of delicious, traditional Breton crepes. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a must-visit.
- Mémé Lilia (Granny Lilia)
Known for its welcoming ambiance and home-style cooking, Mémé Lilia serves a variety of local dishes. The restaurant highlights fresh, local ingredients and provides an authentic taste of the region.

Brest Bretagne Airport offers several direct flight connections to major cities. Here are some of the key destinations and their average prices in August:
• Paris: Frequent flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, with an average price of €150 per person.
• Lyon: Direct flights to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, with an average price of €130 per person.
• Marseille: Regular flights to Marseille Provence Airport, with an average price of €140 per person.
• Nice: Flights available to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, with an average price of €160.
• London: Direct flights to London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, with an average price of €180 per person.
• Barcelona: Seasonal flights to El Prat Airport in Barcelona, with an average price of €200 per person.

Brest is well-connected to Paris by train. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel:
• The journey from Brest to Paris Montparnasse takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for visitors.

We recommend discovering the islands and their lighthouse as they each have their personality and history like the isle of Batz or the isle of Sein.

If you want to stay on a shore, you can visit Douarnenez, Hamlet of Meneham, the Bay of Morlaix with its Bull’s Castle or Concarneau with their beach around. More inland, you have Monts d’Arée, the highest point of view in Brittany, and you can discover the forest of Huelgoat with its chaos rocks and on a massive one which you can move with a finger.

There are also “small towns of character” to visit which kept their historic “flavor,” you cannot have more picturesque than them.

Obviously, there are lot of restaurants around each spot to eat. We love Brittany because we can disconnect and enjoy nature with our loved ones whenever we want.

I hope I have helped you to see better how to travel and explore the area.