Fautras Barracks’ Peristyle

On your left, you’ll see the remains of an arch and four columns. They’re the ruins of an old naval barracks built in the 1870s, in the wake of the Franco-Prussian war. It housed French troops and was named after General Jean Fautras, a 19th-century French officer. Today, it’s in ruins, as most of it was demolished in the 20th century, for it was no longer useful. Yet, these few remains stand as a reminder of the strategic and military importance of Brest – a city much coveted during the conflicts that have rocked the country over the course of history. You can get closer to the columns and climb the few steps for a great view of the Ateliers des Capucins. These buildings, famous for their distinctive architecture, were built by the Navy in the 19th century on the site of the former Capuchin convent, which had stood there since the 17th century. They housed a number of workshops, essential to the Industrial Revolution, including a foundry, a fitting shop and an assembly shop. They were used in particular to build and repair ships for the French Navy. The buildings were severely damaged by bombings during World War II and had to be rebuilt between 1946 and 1953 to match their original design. In 2009, the Navy handed them over to the city of Brest, as they saw no use for them. The city then transformed them into a cultural, commercial and leisure center, with a media library, theater, cinema, national street arts center, numerous boutiques and ongoing events. These brilliantly refurbished buildings have become a go-to spot in the city. It’s well worth a visit if you have the time. You can grab a drink, do some shopping, and even see the Canot de l’Empereur, the Emperor’s Canoe, displayed here, in the so-called Machine Square. This is the very boat, constructed in 1810, that Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise sailed in for several days, on their way to the port of Antwerp in Belgium. Don’t miss this historic canoe with its sumptuous decor. So much for these workshops that are now part of the city’s heritage. On to the next audio guide!