Fancy a trip to the ends of the earth? If you're looking for a change of scenery, why not head for “where the earth ends” (the etymology of the word Finistère), to the capital of Brittany, Brest? Known for its majestic port, this Breton city with its rich maritime history inspired the name of a 4-star establishment: L'Amirauté. An address not to be missed in the heart of this city facing the Atlantic Ocean.
It's to this orientation that Brest owes its nickname of “City of the Ponant”, which translates as “City of the West”. This location gives Brest one of the most beautiful harbors in France, as well as the leading yachting harbor in Brittany. Brest is also home to France's second-largest military port and a naval museum that traces its historical links with the sea.
L'Amirauté, the name given to the headquarters of the navy's high command, is part of this heritage. But here, there's no strict protocol to adhere to: on the contrary, the establishment offers a relaxing stay, with bright, welcoming surroundings, modern, comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional yet imaginative cuisine. All this in the heart of the city, with the establishment, which was completely renovated in 2021, just a short walk from the shops, 20 minutes from the port and 10 minutes from the train station.
If this location is a real invitation to travel, this Brest hotel also makes you want to stay on the quayside:
It's even possible (for a small supplement) to bring your pet and, to take full advantage of the comfort and calm of this Brest institution, to have breakfast or dinner directly in your room using room service.
The rooms
The Hotel l'Amirauté in Brest has 84 rooms, all of which are highly functional (including a work area) and elegant (softly-toned decor, parquet flooring, wooden furniture). Comfort is further enhanced by:
At the same time, the hotel provides guests with a bathrobe and slippers (for Superior room bookings) and welcomes them with a courtesy tray, which they can enjoy while enjoying free access to the national and international digital press.
L'Amirauté is particularly well-suited to business trips (it's just 5 minutes from the Congress Center “Le Quartz” and offers private rooms), but its 44 m² connecting rooms are also ideal for a family weekend.
The restaurant
La Table de L'Amirauté's cosy, elegant setting offers tasty, refined cuisine featuring local produce: fish, seafood and, of course, Breton specialties appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
Chef Rémi Casterman, who won a Michelin Assiette at another address in the Brest region, joined L'Amirauté in 2023.
With a wealth of experience abroad, this native of The Coast of Legends (a small fragment of the Breton coastline in North Finistère) is breathing new life into the menu by combining authenticity and imagination, and proposing, with his 4-person brigade, dishes based on fresh, noble products that are always in season, such as:
The bar
Whether after a seminar or a visit to Brest Castle, the Admiralty bar is the perfect place to take a refreshing break before continuing your journey.
A glass of wine from a choice of grands crus or little-known nuggets, house cocktails combining top-of-the-range spirits and exotic ingredients, a hot drink or a refreshing beverage with or without alcohol: there's something for everyone in this haven of relaxation with its hushed setting and warm ambience.
Very nice hotel in the heart of the city. Comfortable, tastefully decorated and impeccable service. The staff are charming and the restaurant excellent.
It's no surprise that Brittany is one of France's favorite vacation destinations. Rich in beautiful landscapes with its extensive coastline, in natural activities with its many farmlands and in heritage with its typical, preserved architecture, it has a fine tourist showcase in Brest.
The region's second-largest city (in terms of population) after Rennes, Brest's French name comes from the Breton Beg ar Rest (the tip of the castle), and the city has been awarded the Towns and Regions of Art and History label since 2017.
For lovers of old stones
For the curious in search of discovery
A veritable concentrate of Brest's history: the 1st stone was laid by Vauban, and the site has successively housed a convent, a Marine Nationale barracks and shipbuilding and repair workshops. Today, it is the largest covered public square in Europe.
For apprentice sailors
In conclusion: it all starts in Finistère, especially if your trip to the “white” city (a reference to the white plaster used on many of Brest's facades) begins at the 4-star Hôtel l'Amirauté. Enjoy your stay.
Valérie from Comme des Français
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