France: Brest

The city of Brest is located at the very far western tip of Brittany. It has one of the largest natural harbors in the world and is a major port and a naval base. It was heavily bombed in WWII (the harbor was a major German submarine base) and has since been mostly rebuilt a new. The main attractions here are the imposing Chateau du Brest fortress and the historic Tour Tanguy Tower on the other side of the river – plenty of panoramic views from the Recouvrance Bridge in all directions! Most of the other architecture is new. The fortress and the tour both have museums inside.