Introduction
Brest lies at the western end of the Brittany peninsula, a pretty coastal town overlooking a superb natural harbour, the Rade de Brest, and with a strong and obvious maritime tradition. The bay is constantly filled with sailing boats darting across it, the seafront sings with the squawk of seagulls and the port's many fine restaurants' menus serve magnificently fresh seafood.
Brest's excellent harbour has however, been both a blessing and a curse. During the Second World War, the strategic importance of the sheltered bay led to the continuous bombing of Brest by the Allies and, as a result, few of the town's historical landmarks remain. Not that this reflects on Brest's charm today and anyone visiting the town will be treated to a pretty slice of coastal Brittany.
The Brittany town is also a good place from which to explore the Crozon Peninsula, home to spectacular cliffs, deserted beaches and splendid coastal walkways that stretch along this impressive craggy outcrop.
