Brest: Waterfront, & Botanical Gardens, Keroual Wood

Brest is an important port city in northwestern France, known for its maritime history and naval base. The best places to run in Brest are along the waterfront and on paths through the botanical gardens northeast of the city.

Waterfront Path. There’s a decent series of Quais and waterfront paths stretching for up to 11.2 km east from the center of Brest to Pointe Saint-Georges. Best to choose a section! It’s not 100% seamless, and there are a couple of industrial, not so pleasant sections around the port.

Starting from the center near the Tour and Maritime Museum, run east along the Quai path. The first 2.5 km are around a marina, and the next ~3 km are around the working port, reaching the Océanopolis at 6.5 km. From here, there’s a nice waterfront section for 2.5 km around Moulin Blanc Beach. The next section is ~2 km to Pointe Saint-Georges, where the Pont Albert Louppe pedestrian bridge crosses over the water for 1 km to Le Cap. Great water views most of the way!

Botanical Garden. 2.8 km one-way. A series of mainly wooded paths pass through the National Botanical Conservatory of Brest. From Moulin Blanc Beach, a path heads north, extending through the botanical gardens and then continuing north to Rue de Kervalin. Note it’s a fairly steady climb headed north. Can be combined with a section of our waterfront route above. Note:  Free to run in, but there are opening hours.

Bois de Kéroual. These 56-hectare woods, located 6 km northwest of Brest, are a lovely spot for a wooded run. The area is known for its large variety of trees. There’s a large network of trails, some wide and easier for running, others a bit more challenging. The ‘big loop’ is 4.5 km. Another highlight is the 17th-centiry Kéroual Manor, now owned by the city of Brest and an artists residence. There are some nice grounds for running here, and a parking lot. Thanks to Marie Bouchard for this route suggestion.  INFORMATION AND LIST OF TRAILS