Brest, France 1963

"Brest boasts a surrounding environment of magnificent scenery and great resources"

In 1963, Plymouth took its first of many steps in the 'twinning arena' by twinning with Brest on the North Western coast of Brittany, France.

The exceptional setting of the deep and protected natural harbour was the main reason for the birth of the city in the 17th century and quickly encouraged its strategic military importance. The reason was also the cause of its destruction during the siege of the city in September 1944.

Reconstructed after the war, Brest with its current population of 220,000 is a large university city with six colleges, six major engineering schools, 25,000 students and 1,500 research scientists.

Three local schools have set-up exchange programmes with similar schools in Brest (including one which has recently celebrated the 15th Anniversary of its link).

Sport also plays a major part in making the relationship between Plymouth and Brest successful. A wide variety of clubs from football and rugby to fishing and modelling regularly exchange visits, and the Brest-Plymouth Yacht race is held every two years.

As well as being the main urban area of Western Brittany, Brest also boasts a surrounding environment of magnificent scenery and biological resources, industrial, cultural and leisure activities and all major sea-orientated amenities and institutions.

A powerful communication network also allows Brest to open out to the entire world, with its international airport, capable of receiving long-haul jets, motorway, access to Paris and Northern and Southern Europe, high speed TGV train to Paris and a daily ferry via Roscoff to Plymouth within easy reach.