Go Boat Crazy in Brittany | France

Sailors, you’re in luck this summer. In July, the famous Tonnerres de Brest (no giggling in the back seats there!), a tall ship festival only occurring every four years, is set to celebrate its 20 year anniversary with a bonanza program this summer.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Gooch

Whether you’re a keen sailor, or a neophyte, the Tonnerres will enchant you with the extraordinary variety of vessels on show. Take the opportunity to plan a yacht rental in Brittany from July 13th to 19th as you won’t want to miss this celebration of the most beautiful ships in the world.

But hey, what exactly is a tall ship?

A tall ship is a traditionally-rigged boat, much like those you would see in Pirates of the Caribbean or Hook. They’re famously complex to construct and sail, but the experience of cutting through watery fathoms in one of these vessels is unforgettable. They require a crew of many people to manage the system of rigging, which may include gaff rigs, topmasts, topsails and square rigs.

Ok, I get it. Old looking boats that I can crew. Cool, but what’s this bonanza you were talking about earlier?

This year, four countries and their seafaring history are being showcased at the festival. Each country has a whole festival day dedicated to them, so after learning about Indonesia’s Sandeqs and their how their crews work their boats, you can watch a parade of their flotilla. If that’s not enough, check out the nautical-themed firework show after sundown. If Russia floats your boat, discover the Sedov and Kruzenstern cadets though military parades and marvel at the Kossack boats. Mexico and Norway are also featured with parades themed around the countries and their typical boats.

So why does this festival come to Brest?

Brest has a long maritime history of exchange between many countries in Europe as well as America. The Breton people are also very proud of their history and their roots, so any event where they can share their passion for la Bretagne and by extension, its maritime connections, is welcomed with open arms. Furthermore, the harbor at Brest is huge, so there’s plenty of space to accommodate the large number of festival ships and spectator boats.

Sounds good! Is there anything else to do apart from festival stuff?

Quick answer: Lots! Brest itself has some interesting activities. The Oceanopolis Aquarium hosts tanks with a variety of habitats so you can see miniature versions of the Normandy coast and a tropical mangrove. Perhaps the most enjoyable tank is the penguin tank, but that’s just a personal opinion!

Brittany has a famously beautiful coastline, so Brest would be a great starting or end point to a longer yacht trip. The Mont Saint Michel is a huge abbey carved into an island of rock just half a mile out at sea, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brittany pancakes are a favorite among the French – in all four corners of the country you will find establishments boasting that they are authentic Crêperies Bretonnes. The real thing needs to be made with buckwheat or sarrasin (also known as blé noir) – these ancient grains give the pancakes their nutty, complex taste. For an authentic experience on home turf, don’t miss trying out a variety of sweet and savory crêpes filled with delights ranging from banana, chocolate and caramelized nuts to tuna, crème fraîche and succulent tomato.

I think I’m sold!

A trip to the Tonnerres de Brest is the perfect excuse for a European sailing holiday. Brittany will charm you with its old-world beauty and quaint streets. As for the boats, they really are the crème de la crème.

Lalage is one yacht rental away from throwing in the day job and moving to a house boat in the Caribbean!

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Tags: bonanza, brest, breton, countries in europe, fathoms, flotilla, maritime history, military parades, pirates of the caribbean, rigging, sedov, square rigs, summer photo, sundown, tall ship, yacht rental

Category: Festivals, Festivals