When we visit Brittany, we often think of enjoying the beaches, the tourist towns and the gastronomy of the Breton region. But Brittany also has many castles, vestiges of a distant past. A veritable fortress that has survived the centuries, Brest Castle should amaze young and old all year round.
Summary
The remarkable castle of Brest
Over the centuries, the castle of Brest has continued to evolve to adapt to the times and the evolution of the arts of war. Located in the harbor of Brestat the mouth of the Penfeld, the first stones of the castle have been laid at the end of the third century, to defend the city from Saxon attacks. Today, you can still see a wall three meters high and 120 meters long, a remnant of this Roman castellum of yesteryear.
Taking turns by the Bretons, the English or the Germans, the castle will experience significant changes that will allow it to withstand the test of time and the violence of wars. Today, Brest Castle houses the Atlantic Maritime Command Headquarters and the Maritime Prefecture in the inner courtyard, making it oldest active military square in the world.
A tirelessly reinforced castle
The history of the castle of Brest is closely linked with that of the city and of Brittany. The castellum, in the hands of the Counts of Léon, became the property of the Dukes of Brittany in the 1200s. the Caesar tower, and a little later the Azénor tower, were erected. During the Hundred Years War, the castle was besieged several times, before being bought by Duke Jean IV. Major works were undertaken in the 15th century and three towers were then built (Duchess Anne tower, North tower, Madeleine tower).
Tirelessly reinforced by its various owners, the castle of Brest will become the first port of the king’s navy, thanks to Colbert, under the influence of Richelieu in the 17th century. A few years later, Vauban will complete the last changes, transforming the fortress into true citadel, watching over the sea, the city and the countryside. During the Second World War, the castle was occupied by the Germans who used it as jail for those sentenced to deportation. Numerous underground passages linking the cliff to the castle were dug. Today, the castle continues to stand proudly in the harbor of Brest, keeping between its walls a rich history and scars of war.
Anne de Bretagne, Dusclenor, Colbert, Conan II or Jean V… Through its stones, the Château de Brest has followed the construction of France for more than seventeen centuries. A real gem of Breton history which has survived eras and wars.
Visit Brest Castle
Open all year round, the castle can be visited according to the seasons. Discover towers and curtain walls at your leisure and enjoy breathtaking views of Brest harbour, Penfeld or the city! The castle also houses the National Maritime Museum that you can discover during your visit.
Useful information
- Full price entry: 6€ audioguide included,
- Reduced price entry: €4.50 (Finistère passport, large family), free audio guide,
- Free admission : – 26 years old, military and civilian defense personnel, unemployed, disabled,
- Last entry at 5:30 p.m.
Open from April to September, from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (except Tuesdays, excluding zone B holidays)
Open from October to March, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closing days: December 25, January 1 to 31, May 1
Please note that access to the site is difficult for people with reduced mobility.
Information: 0298221239 – Marine Museum – brest@musee-marine.fr
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