What to do in Brest, France

What date are you visiting Brest? This may not help you directly, but we were there in mid-July for their fantastic Maritime Festival, which only happens once every four years. We arrived by plane, not boat, so I don't have specific details on that part, either.

However, when you're in town, whatever you do, have some "kouign amann" (pronounced like Queen Amahn) - a pastry that's like a caramel roll on steroids! It's one of the best things from Brittany!

If you just google "Brest France Tourism" a whole lot of interesting stuff comes up.

Thank you for your responses. I am thinking of going to Quimper for the day.

Does anyone have a recommended tour company for cruise ship passengers in Brest? Thanks

Are you the same poster who asked the same question about Portland in England?

I have to wonder why you would spend the money to go on a cruise if it's taking you to ports you apparently have no particular desire to visit. Is there a rationale I'm not catching?

I have not been to Brest but I did enjoy Quimper a lot. The Cathedral of St Corentin is interesting with a nave that is slightly bent to the left. The museum next door on Breton life is also quite good. I enjoyed walking around town looking at the half-timbered houses.

However, not sure whether this would be a good day trip or not.

And then a week after we attended the bi-annual festival in Brest, we spent 3 days at the annual Quimper Festival de Cornouaille, with lots of music and a big parade of people in traditional costumes. July is a very festive time of year in Brittany!

The maritime festival in Brest takes place once every four years, next edition will be in 2020.
Quimper is indeed one of the beautiful cities in Brittany, but if you only have a few hours in Brest, you could also consider closer places to visit (renting a car or with a tour) : coastal places like pointe St Mathieu, the towns of Le Conquet, Landerneau, Morlaix, parish closes like in St Thégonnec. Hikes in the peninsula of Crozon are gorgeous...
Going to Quimper from Brest in summer, means a 2.5 hour drive there and back over the day.

Check out the Michelin on line guide.