Visit the Capucins workshops

Close to the banks of the Penfeld, in the Recouvrance district, the Ateliers des Capucins are now an integral part of the history and landscape of Brest. But before becoming a fashionable venue, this large space had an eventful history of destruction and change. We'll tell you straight away: this site was a convent in the 17th century, then a prison, followed by naval barracks and a boat-building factory. In 2004, Alain Lelièvre and Thierry Coltier embarked on an ambitious project to transform the site into a cultural hub.

After three years on site, the renovation was completed in 2016. Les Ateliers des Capucins now stands proudly on the banks of the Penfeld, more modern and futuristic than ever. Today, the site covers 24 hectares, making it the largest covered space in Europe.

It is a sort of contemporary agora and an infinite reservoir of culture. Visitors stroll through this lively and unusual space, which features a media library, bars and restaurants, an artisanal brasserie, a concept store, sports facilities (including a climbing wall), a theme park in another dimension called Illucity (laser game, VR escape game, etc.) and a cinema.

The major piece not to be missed is Napoleon 1st's imperial canoe. On display since 2018, this little historical treasure, 19 metres long and weighing 6 tonnes, has taken up (permanent) residence in the Ateliers des Capucins, where a guide tells the story of the Canot and the details of the restoration work. Thanks to the mirror in the bay and the picture windows, you can see the renovations that have been carried out and understand the enormous amount of work that has gone into this boat.

Here's the story in a nutshell: in 1810, the canoe was built with the utmost discretion at the request of Emperor Napoleon I. For several days, the canoe was used by the Emperor as he inspected his fleet. When the Empire fell, the canoe, with its eagle on the bow, ended up in the military port of Brest, where it underwent a number of renovations in 1858. It features a figurehead representing Neptune, a crown supported by four cherubs, and oars painted with sumptuous motis.

Opening in 2021, this space is dedicated to discovering the ocean in a different way, combining technology, interactivity and innovation. Its name evokes the oceans, which cover 70.8% of the Earth's surface. Over an area of more than 1,000m2 and on three floors, visitors can discover the issues at stake, observe the oceans and maritime routes, learn about marine biotechnologies and explore the seabed. It's a place that's fun and accessible to everyone.

Every year, the Ateliers des Capucins host numerous events, with a rich programme of festivals, concerts and shows of all kinds. Workshops and theme days are also organised, for example on yoga, marine writers, singing, Breton traditions, etc.