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Car hire at Brest airport
Hiring a car from Brest airport
Pick up your hire car at Brest airport and head for Brittany's most beautiful historic seaport.
60-second guide to Brest airport
in its own head
"Brest. Remove one letter and you've got 'best' - and we're definitely the number one place to get a good meal in northern France. Not to mention our historic seaport and picturesque bays."
but more realistically
Yes, the food is good, and while Brest has played a vital role in France's military history, the restored city's new architecture gives it a modern feel. The picturesque suburbs are also perfect for a relaxing excursion.
the vibe
Brest's history revolves around a nautical theme, and the sea tends to dominate life in the city - from the tall-ship meeting, which takes place every four years, to the sheer abundance of tasty seafood on offer.
the natives
You'll no doubt bump into a few fishermen around town and it's also a popular venue for windsurfers and yachtsmen. In short, there won't be many natives who suffer the effects of sea-sickness.
the weather
Although the Breton peninsula is exposed to the conditions of the Atlantic Ocean, Brest is in a fairly sheltered position. The city is liable to the odd storm, though, so bring your waterproofs.
the local speciality
As well as the local seafood, a must-have dish is the Breton crepe, which is usually a savoury pancake made with buckwheat flour.
the celebrity
Scourge of the British, and birthplace of one of Napoleon Bonaparte's right-hand men, Admiral Charles-Alexandre Leon Durand Linois, who developed his sea legs on the waters around Brest.
did you know?
The flagship of the French navy, the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier, was built in Brest by local company Direction des Constructions Navales Services.
they say
"The sea crashing against the granite coast and scattered islands provides numerous nautical pursuits, as well as prized mussels, sea bass, oysters and lobster." - Lonely Planet guide to Brittany.
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5 to see in town...
1. Musee des Beaux Arts
The city's fine-arts museum was bombed during the Second World War, but having been rebuilt in the 1960s, it now houses works dating back to the 16th century.
where to park?
Use the car park in Rue de Siam.
2. Oceanopolis
If you've ever wanted to take a stroll on the ocean floor, take a trip to Brest's high-tech sea-life centre, which houses water-based creatures from all over the world.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park with 1,800 places.
3. Naval Museum
This naval museum is housed inside a medieval chateau and illustrates the fascinating history of the French fleet.
where to park?
There is a car park for visitors.
4. Tanguy Tower
The Tanguy Tower lies on a hill opposite Brest's castle. Back in 1939, it was turned into a museum looking back at the city's history.
where to park?
Parking is available at the bottom of the cliff.
5. Pont de Recouvrance
One for the bridge anoraks - the striking Pont de Recouvrance, crossing the river Penfeld, was the largest vertical lift bridge in Europe until 2008.
where to park?
You can either park at the Rue de La Tour or the Boulevard la Marine.
and 4 to drive to...
1. Brest Les Abers golf club
France's most westerly golf course is the perfect place to polish your swing. While you're teeing off, be sure to take in the breathtaking sea views.
how to get there?
Head north-west on Avenue Georges Clemenceau toward Place de la Liberte. Join the D5 and follow signs to Finistere. The journey should take no more than half an hour, traffic permitting.
2. La Forest-Landerneau
This picturesque forest, located near the Elorn river, is a great place to take a relaxing walk.
how to get there?
Head north-west and follow signs for the D112. Take the 3rd exit, heading towards N12/Landerneau/ Rennes/Gouesnou/Morlaix/Lannilis. The journey should take just over half an hour.
3. Mont Saint Michel Bay
Just off the northern coast lies St Michael's Mount, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its quaint old buildings and natural beauty.
how to get there?
Follow signs for the D112 and take the third exit onto the D112 heading to N12/Landerneau/Rennes/ Gouesnou/Morlaix/Lannilis. Continue on the N12, heading toward Cancale. The journey should take just under three hours.
4. Menez Hom
For an impressive panoramic view around the Brest peninsula, head up the Menez Hom - one of the highest mounds in the area.
how to get there?
Head south-east on Avenue Georges Clemenceau toward Avancee de la Porte Saint-Louis. Join the N165, heading towards Dineault. Menez Hom is located 35 miles from Brest and should take no more than an hour to get to.
Local taxi driver Jean Bertrand on car hire in Brest
" Inside Brest the only public transport option is the bus but since most of the nearby attractions lie outside the city, it's best to hire a car so that you can really experience this part of Brittany. And one bonus is that there are no toll motorways inside Brittany! But don't limit yourself to land - you can take a 15-minute boat ride to Ile de Batz island to see the impressive lighthouse and sit in the exotic gardens. "
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