Brest (France)
According to Printerhall.com, Brest is located in the northwest of France in the historical region of Brittany. The city is located on the shores of one of the bays of the Atlantic Ocean. This port was founded in the 17th century. During the Second World War, a large German submarine base was located here. In order to destroy this strategic object, the pilots of the American and British air forces constantly bombarded Brest, so at the end of the war the city was destroyed. In the fifties, they tried to restore it, but Brestdid not become the same.
Of the attractions, one can single out the ancient Castle. He himself is not very attractive, but his Tanguy tower is worth a visit. Here is a museum that tells about the pre-war history of the city. The Oceanapolis Center is located in the east of the city. It is divided into three pavilions, each of which describes different climatic zones (tropical, temperate and polar). In total, there are more than 40 aquariums throughout the center. By visiting it, you will learn the details of the marine life of various areas of the oceans. In 1996, the Center Atlantique de la Photographie was created. For 400 sq. meters, up to 10 exhibitions of various photographs are held annually. From July to August, colorful carnivals with live music and delicious food are held every Thursday at the local port. Every year in November since 1985 in the cultural center “Quartz”
In general, there are not so many places in Brest that will be of interest to tourists, but as soon as you get out of the city, beautiful landscapes will appear before you. The coastline in the Brest region is extremely beautiful. There are sandy beaches in the area, and high cliffs rise above them. In coastal waters you can swim, windsurf, sail on yachts and fish. The weather here is capricious, with strong western winds storms occur.
You can get to Brest by plane – the international airport is located 9 km from the center of Brest. There is also a high-speed train from Paris to Brest.
Dijon (France)
Dijon, the ancient capital of Burgundy, is located in the central part of France. It stands on the river Ouch and is a port on the Burgundy Canal. This is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, a center of culture and a gastronomic Mecca.
Dijon began to be built in the 3rd century. around the Gallo-Roman fortification, which existed from the 4th century BC. BC. With the accession of the Capetian dynasty, it becomes the capital of Burgundy, the most brilliant court in Europe, an outstanding center of arts, science and education. Burgundy was a separate state, and a state much stronger than France. The rulers of Dijon made him “a pearl that sings in the shell of the fields and hills.” In the XIV century. the Capetians are replaced by the Valois dynasty, three of whose representatives were born in Dijon: John the Fearless, Philip the Good and Charles the Bold. After joining the French crown, the city has been a thriving center for winemaking for centuries.
The main attraction of Dijon is the medieval center, in the heart of which the Ducal Palace is located. The palace was built in the 12th century. and renovated by the royal architect Hardouin-Mansart at the end of the 17th century. Almost in its original form, the chapel of Philip the Good has come down to us, where he announced the creation of the Order of the Golden Fleece; Hall of the Guards with the tombs of Philip the Good and John the Fearless. The palace currently houses the Museum of Fine Arts., which contains a rich collection of Burgundian sculpture of the 15th-16th centuries, as well as collections of Flemish primitivists and works by contemporary artists.
Among other museums in Dijon, it is worth noting the Museum of Burgundy, located in the Bernardine monastery of the 17th century; the Magnin Museum, which exhibits paintings by Flemish and Italian artists; Museum of Natural History, founded in 1836 and exhibiting rich geological and paleontological collections, as well as 10,000 insect specimens; Botanical Garden, with 3,500 plant species.
Next to the Ducal Palace is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It was built in the 13th century. in gothic style. The facade of the building, decorated with sculptures, is interesting.