THE SURROUNDING AREA OF BREST
Brest
Since Roman times Brest has been the site of a fortress town due to its large natural harbour and its difficult access by land making it very easy to defend. However this fortified position worked against it during the second world war as Brest was destroyed by allied bombers in order to prevent it being used by the Germans. This does not mean that there is nothing of interest for the visitor as certain important sites have been carefully restored, the castle and the Tanguy tower for example. The heart of Brest is a good example of post war architecture and Brest retains a great deal of its charm. The town centre has a Fine Art Museum and the St Louis building has remarkable stained glass windows. The visitor may also wish to take in the sights of the commercial port and the Oceanopolis (a spectacular multi-level aquarium). The local tourist office organises tours of the town and museums and there are boat trips to many of the islands around the coast.
Ouessant
L'Ile d'Ouessant (pronounced Ushant) lies of the extreme western tip off the Brittany coast. Measuring 7km by 4km this small island has a population of around 1000 and is well worth visiting especially for the boat trip which gives the chance to see the Black Stones, Green Stones and the reef lying off the coast.
The main town on the island is Lampaul which is a delightful hamlet of superbly maintained old houses. The main attraction is the Créac'h Lighthouse which has one of the most powerful lights in the world and with the Lighthouse at Lands End marks the entrance to the English Channel.
Roscoff
This ancient sea port may be the first port of call for may visitors to Brittany as it is home to one of the ferry companies offering travel between France and England. Roscoff's position as a channel port has ensured its importance as a port of commerce between the European Mainland and England.
The town is quite small with a population of 4000, even so, it has several attractions such as the aquarium, the fish farm and the delightful Gothic Church of Notre Dame de Kroas Batz which dates back to the 16th century..
Boat trips to the Island of Batz are also available from Roscoff.
