Visit Les Ateliers des Capucins in Brest

Discover one of the city's most emblematic sites

Once an industrial site for the Navy, the Ateliers des Capucins is now a place that appeals to locals and tourists alike thanks to its incredible cultural offering.

 

The history of the Ateliers des Capucins

The history of the Capucins dates back to the seventeenth century, when the community of Capucin monks settled here: it is to them that we owe the current name of the Ateliers.

A century later, the land was ceded to the Navy and a barracks replaced the convent. Over the years, the Capucins were gradually transformed into an impressive industrial site for the French Navy.

Bombed during the Second World War, the workshops were largely destroyed, with the exception of the walls. The decision was taken to rebuild the site in accordance with 19th-century architecture, and industrial activity resumed until 2004.

Major works were then undertaken to breathe new life into the premises, and the Ateliers des Capucins opened their doors to the public in 2017.

 

What to see and do at Ateliers des Capucins

Le 70.8 scientific and technical cultural centre
Discover the secrets of the ocean, climate issues and the technologies of tomorrow at this unique museum.
Numerous temporary exhibitions are organised throughout the year.


The François Mitterrand multimedia library
The largest media library in France's Grand Ouest region, with no fewer than 120,000 books and documents available to visitors, is a must for book lovers.


The Pathé cinema
Fancy watching the latest films on the big screen? You'll find this 5-screen cinema in the Ateliers des Capucins.


The En Bières Inconnues brasserie
Located on the ground floor, this brewery offers 4-hour workshops to teach you how to brew beer, followed by a tasting session.


But also...
You'll find a climbing gym, a virtual reality adventure park, a theatre, shops and a steakhouse for your meals.

 

Practical information

• 📍 Address: Ateliers des Capucins, 25 rue de Pontaniou, 29200 Brest
• ⏳ Opening times: 10h-00h
•  🚗 Access: by car in the paying underground car park opposite the Ateliers, by tram on line A, by bus on line 4.
• Our favourite ❤️: reach the Ateliers des Capucins using the famous cable car right in the heart of the city.