Heritage Days 2024 in Brest: 6 visits near the marinas

This year's Heritage Days will once again focus on some of Brest's most important sites. They take place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September. This will be an opportunity for young and old alike to discover the city's heritage through guided tours, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and re-enactments. With such a wide range of activities on offer, here is our selection of places to visit near the marinas during the Heritage Days 2024 in Brest.

The youth hostel

Located at the Moulin Blanc marina in rue de Kerbriant, the youth hostel has been a listed building since 2018. Every year, it receives numerous visits from architects and architecture students.

During the Heritage Days, the Compagnie Qui S'y Colle will be welcoming you with a quirky and humorous tour of this unique building.

The tour is suitable for all ages from 6 upwards.

Information and booking on 02 98 00 80 80 or on the town's website.

Brest National Botanical Conservatory

Home to a unique collection of rare and endangered plants, the Brest National Botanical Conservatory's tropical greenhouse is a haven for fascinating flora from the four corners of the globe.

Take advantage of Heritage Days for a guided tour, and explore every nook and cranny of the greenhouse, where each plant tells the story of threatened biodiversity and the passion for saving species. A not-to-be-missed visit for lovers of nature and discovery.

Information and booking on 02 98 00 80 80 or on the town's website.

The "jardin extraordinaire"

Have you ever seen a garden on a cliff? Well, you can at Brest's commercial port!

This cliff garden, tended by volunteers, is home to numerous plant species from all over the world.

On Heritage Days, you can find out more about it by taking part in a guided tour.

Information and booking on 02 98 00 80 80 or on the town's website.

Heritage boats

Along the Quai Malbert, the spotlight will be on the heritage boats. They regularly sail in Brest bay, and even further afield, but it's at the pontoon that you can visit them during the Heritage Days.

La Recouvrance

An ambassador for the city of Brest, La Recouvrance is a replica of a 19th-century aviso used to transmit urgent mail and notices.

In season, La Recouvrance offers half-day, full-day and 2 to 10-day cruises.

Come along to the Quai Malbert and let yourself be guided by the sailors, who will tell you all about the schooner's little secrets.

Notre-Dame de Rumengol

Listed as a historic monument since 1990, this boat was originally a gabare used to transport wood, wine, onions and salt.

Nowadays, Notre-Dame de Rumengol sails to introduce adventurers to traditional sailing.

The crew will be delighted to welcome you and tell you all about this much-loved boat.

La Bergère de Domrémy

This shellfisher in Brest harbour is also listed as a historic monument. Throughout its history, it has been used to dredge scallops and transport maerl and seaweed.

Today, it is possible to sail on board to discover the bay.

The Chantier du Guip

This is THE place for building and restoring wooden boats.

Located on the Quai Malbert, opposite La Recouvrance, one of the shipyard's original constructions, the Guip shipyard has seen heritage boats, workboats and classic yachts pass through its hands. On the occasion of Heritage Days, the yard is opening its doors to the public to help them discover this very special craft carried out by passionate craftsmen.

Brest castle

The Brest castle is one of Brest must-see places. Here you can discover the history of Brest and the château, a room dedicated to the La Pérouse expedition and an impressive collection of figureheads.

But during Heritage Days, you can also visit places that are usually closed to the public, such as the Maritime prefecture and the underground casemates.

Heritage Days 2024 in Brest: map of events

To make sure you don't miss out on any of this year's events, take a look at the interactive map. You'll find all the information you need to organise your visits.