Venue and itinerary

Miraculously spared, the medieval castle is Brest’s oldest historical monument. With seventeen centuries of history behind it, the castle now houses the National Maritime Museum. The majestic monument has been reworked many times over the years and bears witness to a destiny that is intertwined with that of the sea and the history of a city, a region and an entire country. What with historical discoveries and feasts for the eyes, from the top of the towers, curtain walls and rampart walk, the visit provides an opportunity to enjoy unique, breathtaking views over the harbour, the ports, the Penfeld and the city.

The museum presents a wide variety of works that trace the maritime history of the great port initiated by Richelieu. The great days of the naval dockyard and the art of naval decoration are evoked in the superbly renovated Keep. The poignant history of the prison and Brest’s role in the American War of Independence round off the permanent exhibition. Dedicated to the Navy from the 19th century to the present day, the Paradis Towers exhibit shipboard objects, paintings and models, evoking the industrial revolution, the post-war Navy, submarines and offshore racing.