At first sight, Brest – the white city on the sea – is no beauty. However, it is still worth a visit. If you want to shop till you drop, eat mussels in the harbour, watch huge oil tankers go by, or explore little bars which often have live music, this is the place for you. Whatever your tastes, the aquarium Océanopolis is a must. This underwater world spans three impressive pavilions and is both interesting and fascinating for all ages. Divided into polar, tropical and temperate zones, it introduces visitors to the oceans’ fascinating flora and fauna. The attraction also provides a wealth of information about the tides, the sea, nautical science and much more. One slight disadvantage is that most of the information is only available in French. Nevertheless, a visit to the aquarium is an absolute highlight and you should allow at least half a day to see it properly.

There are lots of lovely places to visit around Brest. To the north, picturesque Roscoff with its pretty harbour is well worth a visit. One of the most impressive coastal routes runs from Portsall to Le Conquet. A stunning coastal footpath leads from Le Conquet to Pointe Saint-Mathieu – a lighthouse surrounded by an old ruined abbey with a stunning view of the Atlantic.