Brest is an important harbour town in the north west of France and it has a long history with the sea. There is a naval academy here and the aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle was built here. Brest is also home to the internationally recognised festival of the Sea, Boats and Sailors which sees old riggers from around the world converge on the town. Some of the many water sports to enjoy are yachting, fishing and wind surfing.
As well as its longtime association with the sea, Brest is also known for hosting other major international events such as the European Short Film Festival. The world famous Tour de France cycle race kicked off in Brest in 2004.
The three largest tourist attractions in Brest are the Rue de Siam, or Siam Street, Recouvrance Bridge and the Military Arsenal. The maritime traditions are wonderfully exhibited in the Musee National de la Marine and the towns oldest monuments are the castle and the Tanguy tower. Another attraction is the botanical garden dedicated to endangered species.
Caen is another town in North Western France and is located about 15km inland from the Channel. It is renowned for the many historic buildings that date back to William the Conquerer. Much of Caen was destroyed during the Battle of Normandy and this memory has been preserved through the erection of a memorial of peace.
Due to its location, Caen is a very picturesque holiday spot, being only a few miles away from the coast with its beaches and busy resorts. The Chateau de Cane is a must see when you come to Caen, and is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. The castle is home to both the Museum of fine arts and the Museum of Normandy and houses many exhibits of both art and history.
