Brest

The history of Brest has been much influenced by its geographical situation. The city occupies a strategic site at the back of a bay whose only entrance is a narrow channel. Many battles were fought in its waters, and the most important of them are described in detail at the Naval Museum. The castle of Brest, completed by the royal architect Vauban is one of the major monuments of Brittany. 

The city itself was almost entirely destroyed during the second World War and is now characterised by the geometrical layout of its main streets.

Tanguy tower Brest

The famous phrase “Tonnerre de Brest” (“Thundering typhoons” in English), made popular by Tintin’s captain Haddock, refers to the cannon shots that were fired every morning and every evening to signal the opening and closure of the port for almost three centuries. Occasionally, these cannon shots signalled the escape of a convict.

http://www.tourisme-brest.fr