Not to be missed - Summer 2008 in Brest

Summer in Brest will start off with a big hit this year with the departure of cyclists taking part in Tour de France and just only one week later Brest will host majestic sailing ships from all across the world. The departure of Tour de France on the 5th July will consist of a circuit of 9km passing through the town centre. It will allow the public to gather on the side roads to watch this great event in safety.

From the 11th-17th July, boats and crews of the international maritime heritage will gather in Brest drawing in crowds of spectators. Many regular visitors since 1992 have flocked to the port to enjoy the festival.

This is a unique nautical gathering exhibiting an extraordinary diversity of fleets, powerful three masters or modest open boats, sailing workboats or classical pleasure crafts. Visitors will witness maritime traditions of France, Europe and the rest of the world and even boats that have never travelled to France before. The site, a long promenade covers various ports of Brest over a length of 7 kilometres.

Amongst the 25 guests represented, five will have a place of honour, Croatia, Galicia, Madagascar, Norway and Vietnam. Each of these delegations will bring to Brest the best of its maritime tradition and will hold a village on the port and present its fleet, its music, entertainment, food, and will present a whole program of festivities.

The nautical display assembles perfect historical replicas and some boats will come out everyday on demonstration and sail past. For the first time Brest 2008 offers visitors the chance to embark and sail on board famous ships. One of the great new features this year is the new reception site on the Castle Marina in the heart of the town, one of the most ambitious and innovative port developments in France.

A big show will take place every evening. The opening night will start off with a blast with a boat parade, fireworks and a light and sound show as well as on Bastille evening on the 14th July. Nautical parades will entertain all during the other evenings during Brest 2008.

The start of the Brest-Douarnenez Race will close this festival with all the boats setting sail at once.

For more information, visit Franceguide.com.